RSES Implementation

The RSES is an integrated cohesive policy document that provides a spatial strategy to manage the future growth of the Eastern and Midland region.

The RSES is a long-term strategic framework document that guides the future growth of the entire region and supports the implementation of the National Planning Framework under Project Ireland 2040.

The RSES and associated environmental reports are available here.

The objectives contained in the RSES will be implemented in partnership with the 12 local authorities in the region, in addition to public bodies and state agencies to deliver on the vision and build a cohesive and sustainable region.

RSES Governance Structure

Since the finalisation of the RSES in 2019, implementation of the RSES has been the focus of the Regional Assembly to support the achievement of the regional strategic outcomes contained in the Strategy. To this end, the Assembly has established governance structures and worked through dedicated forums, to advance RSES implementation.

An RSES Implementation structure has been developed to ensure coordination, focus and drive in the delivery of the RSES policies and objectives. The implementation structure includes an implementation group for the Dublin MASP area, in addition to political oversight from the existing Strategic Planning Area Committees and a dedicated MASP SPA Committee.

A Strategic Planning Area (SPA) Committee for the Dublin Metropolitan Area Strategic Plan was established in 2019 comprising of a proportion of elected members from each of the 7 local authorities, to oversee the implementation of the MASP. This committee has met on numerous occasions and has made recommendations to the full Assembly.

The MASP Implementation Group includes key stakeholders from the infrastructure and enterprise agencies, in addition to representatives from the Local Authorities and Department of Housing Local Government and Heritage (DHLGH). The Implementation group provides a forum to co-ordinate planning, transport and infrastructure delivery in the Dublin MASP. Tasks involved in the monitoring of the MASP area through the Implementation Group include updating progress on Table 5.1 of the MASP, assessing delivery of strategic development areas since the adoption of MASP in 2019 and its progress on an annual basis, and informing the prioritisation of investment and delivery to achieve the objectives of the MASP.

Implementation Initiatives

Some of the key RSES Implementation initiatives to date include:

The launch of the Regional Development Monitor as a collaboration project between the three Regional Assemblies and the All-Ireland Research Observatory (AIRO) at Maynooth University and spatial infrastructure partners the Ordinance Survey Ireland (OSI) via the GeoHive platform to provide a much needed evidence base to support decision making and policy formation. The RDM is a valuable new initiative that collates and visualises a range of relevant socio-economic and environmental indicators to present the performance of each of the three regions in terms of achieving the objectives outlined in their respective Regional Spatial and Economic Strategies (RSES). The RDM provides a series of new national mapping and visualisation infrastructures to assist Government Departments, Regional Assemblies, Local Authorities, Planners, Policy Makers, Researchers and members of the public in gaining a greater insight into social, economic and environmental trends to aid better decision making and provides a live tool to evaluate RSES Implementation on a regular basis.
The Pathfinder 27 Project, the Smart and Sustainable Mobility Accelerator Programme, is being delivered by EMRA for the Eastern and Midland Region. The project consists of a training education and capacity building workshop programme to assist local authorities, elected members and Public Participation Networks to design and implement smart and sustainable mobility projects.
Ongoing preparatory works to develop a Regional Renewable Energy Strategy to provide an effective structure through which EMRA can harness the market opportunities presented by its onshore renewable energy resources and supply sustainable development of carbon free onshore renewable electricity.
Ongoing policy development and research carried out by EMRA to advance and facilitate RSES implementation including a preliminary Research and Cooperation framework to drive implementation of the regional agenda, a Green Infrastructure and Ecosystem Services Mapping Methodology, Greenhouse Gas Impact Assessment Tool, collaboration with the OECD to develop research on Regional Attractiveness, and contributor and steering functions on externally related projects.

In this section

Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy 2019-2031 (RSES)

The primary statutory objective of the Strategy is to support implementation of Project Ireland 2040 – which links planning and investment through the National Planning Framework (NPF) and ten- year National Development Plan (NDP) – and the economic and climate policies of the Government by providing a long-term strategic planning and investment framework for the Region.

MASP

The Metropolitan Area Spatial Plan (MASP) is an integrated land use and transportation strategy for the Dublin Metropolitan Area.

Making the RSES

Strategy Stages

RSES Monitoring

The ‘Monitoring Report’, monitors progress made in implementing the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy (RSES).

Stages in the preparation and adoption of the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy

There are four stages in the preparation and adoption of the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy that are guided by the provisions of Section 24 of the Planning & Development Act 2000 (as amended). The four stages include the Pre-Draft Stage, Draft Plan Stage, Amendments Stage and Final Adoption Stage. The section below outlines the public consultations and reports prepared arising from each stage.

Stage 1 Stage 2 Stage 3 Stage 4

Stage 1: Issues Paper

The Issues Paper was made available for public comment between 20th November 2017 and 16th February 2018, seeking submissions on relevant strategic planning and economic development matters.
171 submissions were received during the consultation process and a Director’s Report on the submissions was prepared and considered by the Assembly prior to preparing the draft RSES.

Stage 1: Supporting documents and further information

Issues Paper

Download Initial Public & Stakeholder Consultation Issues Paper

The Issues Paper is the first stage in the process of making a Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy (RSES).

It is an informative document to highlight some of the key issues facing the region and to assist people in making their submission to this initial consultation process.

What are the relevant strategic planning responses to these 10 key questions:

How can we align the location of population growth, employment and housing, by 2030?
How can we plan for healthier and more attractive places?
How can we balance the economic, environment and social dimensions for a better region?
How can we address regional disparities for more balanced regional development?
What are the key strategic natural assets we need to protect?
How do we address water and waste water capacity issues in our large urban centres?
How can we build a strong cultural identity and tourism brand for our region?
What are the key infrastructure bottlenecks that ‘unlock’ the growth potential of key sites in our region?
How do we support national commitments and respond to climate change in our region?
How do we measure the success of the RSES?

Supporting documents

A number of documents have been published to highlight some of the issues and choices we face in planning for the future:

An Issues Paper, with key questions to prompt the initial consultation period.
A Socio Economic Profile for the region, was prepared in collaboration with AIRO to provide a comprehensive evidence baseline, accompanied by a series of interactive maps on the EMRA Web Viewer.
The Regional Planning Guidelines, which set the current policy framework.
The Draft National Planning Framework, which set out the proposed national planning framework for the spatial distribution of growth in the regions.

Issues Paper: Directors Report and Submissions received

First-Directors-Report-March-2018

Strategic Environmental Assessment Scoping Report 2017

Download Strategic Environmental Assessment Scoping Report

This Scoping Document forms part of the official Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) scoping under S.I. 436 of 2004 as amended by S.I. 201 of 2011.
The purpose of this scoping document is to provide preliminary information on the proposed Eastern & Midland RSES with a view to establishing the scope, level of detail and approach required for the SEA which will follow.

Appropriate Assessment Determination Letter

Download Appropriate-Assessment-Determination-Letter

Stage 2: Draft RSES

On foot of the above consultations and engagement at the EMRA meeting of 19th October 2018 a draft RSES was prepared and made available for public consultation between 5th November 2018 and 23rd January 2019 inclusive.
312 submissions were received and a Director’s Report was prepared.
At the EMRA meeting of 1st March 2019, the submissions were considered and the memebers agreed to make the Strategy subject to 139 proposed Material Amendments.

Stage 2: Supporting documents and further information

Draft RSES: Public Consultation

Draft Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy for the Eastern and Midland Region Public Consultation

The Draft RSES is a strategic plan which identifies regional assets, opportunities and pressures and provides appropriate policy responses in the form of Regional Policy Objectives. At this strategic level it provides a framework for investment to better manage spatial planning and economic development throughout the Region.

The Draft RSES provides a:

Spatial Strategy – to manage future growth and ensure the creation of healthy and attractive places to live, work, study, visit and invest in.
Economic Strategy – that builds on our strengths to sustain a strong economy and support the creation of quality jobs that ensure a good living standard for all.
Metropolitan Plan – to ensure a supply of strategic development areas for the sustainable growth and continued success and competitiveness of the Dublin metropolitan area.
Investment Framework – to prioritise the delivery of key enabling infrastructure and services by government and state agencies.
Climate Action Strategy – to accelerate climate action, ensure a clean and healthy environment and to promote sustainable transport and strategic green infrastructure.

At the meeting of the 19th October the Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly prepared a draft Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy for the whole of the Eastern and Midland Region for the period 2019-2031, as required under section 24(4) of the Planning and Development Acts 2000-2018. The Assembly is now giving notice that a draft Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy is available for Public Consultation, and that submissions are invited from interested parties in the process of formulation of the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy for the Region.

An Environmental Report has been prepared in accordance with the SEA Directive and the Planning and Development (Strategic Environmental Assessment) Regulations S.I. No. 436/2004 (as amended), accompanied by a Regional Flood Risk Appraisal Report. A Natura Impact Report (to inform the Appropriate Assessment) has also been prepared in accordance with Article 6 of the Habitats Directive, the Planning and Development Act 2000-2018, and the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations S.I. No. 477/2011 (as amended).

Documents on Public Display are;

Draft RSES

Draft RSES Executive Summary

Appendices to Draft RSES

SEA Environmental Report

Appendices to SEA Environmental ReportDraft-RSES-Environmental-Report-Appendices

Regional Flood Risk Assessment Report

AA Natura Impact Report

These documents are now placed on public display and a copy may be inspected during normal office hours from 5th November 2018 to 23rd January 2019 at the following locations:

Eastern & Midland Regional Assembly, 3rd Floor North, Ballymun Civic Centre, Main Street, Ballymun, Dublin, D09 C8P5
The Planning Counter in all of the twelve constituent local authorities of the Eastern & Midland Regional Assembly, please check locally with your Council regarding opening hours

Submissions or observations on the draft strategy or associated environmental reports will be received between 5th November 2018 and 5pm on 23rd January 2019 (both dates inclusive) through one of the following media:

Online: emra.ie/submission

Email: rses@emra.ie

Mail: Eastern & Midland Regional Assembly, 3rd Floor North, Ballymun Civic Centre, Main Street, Ballymun, Dublin, D09 C8P5

Please note that public submissions may be published on our website and are subject to Freedom of Information legislation.
All data will be stored in accordance with the Data Protection Act 2018 and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) 2016.

The Regional Assembly will consider all submissions made in writing within the stated period before adopting the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy.

All submissions will be acknowledged but it will not be possible to issue individual responses. Please include your name and address as part of your submission, and if you are representing another person, company or organisation, their name and address. Please note that public submissions may be published on our website and subject to Freedom of Information.

Jim Conway, Director

Draft RSES: Director’s Report and Submissions received

Download Director’s Report EMRA: Draft Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy 2019-2031

The submission number can be found in Appendix 1 – List of Submissions received on draft RSES in the Director’s Report on submissions to the Draft RSES.

Stage 2 Submissions received

Submissions received as part of Draft Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy Public Consultation:

Stage 3: Material Amendments

The proposed Material Amendments accompanied by updated environmental reports were made available for public consultation between March 15th and April 12th 2019 inclusive.
106 submissions were received to this third and final public consultation process and a third Director’s Report on the submissions was prepared.

Stage 3: Supporting documents and further information

Proposed material amendments to draft RSES

Download Proposed Material Amendments to the Draft Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy 2019-2031 — March 2019

Download Environmental Report on proposed material amendments

Public Consultation

The Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly have proposed material amendments to the draft Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy for the period 2019-2031, as required under section 24 (8) of the Planning and Development Acts 2000-2018.

The Environmental Report has been updated in accordance with the SEA Directive and the Planning and Development (Strategic Environmental Assessment) Regulations S.I. No. 436/2004 (as amended), accompanied by a Regional Flood Risk Appraisal Report. A Natura Impact Report (to inform the Appropriate Assessment) has also been updated in accordance with Article 6 of the Habitats Directive, the Planning and Development Act 2000-2018, and the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations S.I. No. 477/2001 (as amended).

These documents are placed on public display and a copy may be inspected during normal office hours from 15th March 2019 to 12th April 2019 at the following locations:

Eastern & Midland Regional Assembly,
3rdFloor North, Ballymun Civic Centre,
Main Street, Ballymun, Dublin, D09 C8P5
The Planning Counter in all of the twelve constituent local authorities of the Eastern &
Midland Regional Assembly, please check locally with your Council regarding opening hours

The documents may also be inspected online at www.emra.ie

Submissions or observations on the proposed material amendments only as set out in this report or the associated environmental report will be received between 15th March 2019 and 12th April 2019 (both dates inclusive) through one of the following media:

Online: www.emra.ie/submission
Email: rses@emra.ie
Mail: Eastern & Midland Regional Assembly, 3rd Floor North, Ballymun Civic Centre, Main Street, Ballymun, Dublin, D09 C8P5

The Regional Assembly will consider all relevant submissions made in writing within the stated period before adopting the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy.

All submissions will be acknowledged but it will not be possible to issue individual responses.

Please include the proposed amendment reference number (blue text in this document) as shown in this document to demonstrate validity of the submission. Also state your name and address as part of your submission, and if you are representing another person, company or organisation, their full name and address.

Please note that public submissions may be published on our website and subject to Freedom of Information.

Director’s Report on Proposed Material Amendments to the EMRA Draft Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy 2019-2031

Download Director’s Report on Proposed Material Amendments to the EMRA Draft Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy 2019-2031

The submission number can be found in Appendix 1 – List of Submissions on Proposed Material Amendments in the Director’s Report above.

Stage 3 Submissions received

Please find below all submissions received as part of Public Consultation on Proposed Material Amendments to Draft Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy:

Stage 4: Final RSES

Following consideration of the Director’s Report on the Proposed Material Amendments, the Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly at the EMRA meeting on the 3rd May 2019 decided to make the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy for the Eastern and Midland Region on the 28th June 2019, in accordance with section 24 (9) of the Planning and Development Act 2000.
The RSES was subject to a Ministerial Direction issued on 14th January 2020.

Stage 4: Supporting documents and further information

Draft Ministerial direction in relation to the RSES

On 7th August, 2019 the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government issued EMRA with a Notice of Intent to Issue a Ministerial Direction, pursuant to secti:on 31A of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended), relating to the EMRA Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy 2019-2031.

A copy of the Notice of Intent to Issue a Ministerial Direction, appendices and supporting documents are can be downloaded here:

As required under Section 31A (7) of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended) the Draft Ministerial Direction and the supporting documents were placed on public display for a 2 week period between 20th August and 2nd September (both dates inclusive) at the offices of the Eastern & Midland Regional Assembly, at the planning counter in all of the twelve constituent local authorities and online at emra.ie.

The elected members of EMRA were also notified of the draft direction on 19th August 2019. The Department of Planning Housing and Local Government, Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport, the National Transport Authority and the Office of the Planning Regulator were also notified of the public notice of the intent to issue a draft Ministerial Direction.

The Directors Report and recommendation was prepared in accordance with sections 31 A (8) and (9) of the Planning and Development Act and issued on the 20 September 2019 to the Minister and to the members of EMRA.
Having considered the Regional Assembly’s Director’s Report on the draft Direction and the views of the members of the Eastern Midland Regional Assembly, the Minister considered that further investigation into the contents of the draft Direction is merited and appointed an independent Inspector to issue a report and recommendations to the Minister and persons who made submissions in relation to the draft Direction.

Please note that only those parts of the RSES, which are the subject of this draft Direction, shall be taken not to have come into effect until the section 31A procedure has been completed. All other aspects of the RSES are considered to have been made, as of 28th June 2019.

Ministerial direction in relation to the RSES

Notice of the making of a Ministerial Direction in relation to the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy (RSES) for the Eastern and Midland Region

Section 31A of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended).

On 14th January 2020, Mr. Eoghan Murphy the Minister for Housing Planning and Local Government, issued a Direction pursuant to Section 31A of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended). This Direction may be cited as the Planning and Development (Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy 2019-2031) Direction 2019.

The Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly is directed to amend Section 5.6 and Table 8.2 of the RSES. A copy of the Ministerial Direction and accompanying documentation is available using the links below and also at the offices of the Regional Assembly, 3rd Floor North, Ballymun Civic Centre, Main Street, Ballymun, Dublin 9 (D09 C8P5).

The RSES for the Eastern and Midland Region, altered as indicated in the Direction, is available to view using the following link. Hard copies will be available in due course.

200114_Ministers-Direction-FINAL-Letter

200114_Ministers-Direction-FINAL

Appendix-1-SEA-Screening-Determination-EMRA-Direction

Appendix-2-AA-Screening-Determination-EMRA-Direction

Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy 2019-2031 (RSES)

MASP

The Metropolitan Area Spatial Plan (MASP) is an integrated land use and transportation strategy for the Dublin Metropolitan Area.