2.15 Naas to Newbridge Strategic Economic and Employment Zone [Should probably be "Focus for Growth"]
This section is called “2.15 Naas to Newbridge Strategic Economic and Employment Zone” but, given the sub-headings, this is not an appropriate heading as this section appears to be about the focus for growth.
Section 2.15.2 Metropolitan Area Strategic Plan, is treated at the same level as 2.15.1 Key Towns, 2.15.3 Self-Sustaining Growth Towns and 2.15.4 Self-Sustaining Towns, 2.15.5 Towns but this conflates two separate themes.
Since some towns under each Settlement Type classification are outside the Dublin MASP and some are within it, the definitions would benefit from sub-division depending on whether the towns are in the Dublin MASP or not.
The Meath County Development Plan 2021-2027 separately addresses the Metropolitan and Core Areas of Co. Meath (2.10.1 Focus of Growth in the Metropolitan Area and 2.10.2 Focus of Growth in the Core Area). It is important to have clarity and direction for the medium and long-term growth of all Co. Kildare towns so, rather than the following headings:
- 2.15.1 Key Towns
- 2.15.2 Metropolitan Area Strategic Plan
- 2.15.3 Self-Sustaining Growth Towns
- 2.15.4 Self-Sustaining Towns
- 2.15.5 Towns
One of the following approaches would allow for providing greater clarity on what is intended for each Settlement Type
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2.15.1 Key Towns 2.15.1.1 Dublin Metropolitan Area - Maynooth 2.15.1.1 Core Area - Naas 2.15.2 Self-Sustaining Growth Towns 2.15.1.1 Dublin Metropolitan Area - Leixlip 2.15.1.1 Core Area - Newbridge, Kildare, Athy 2.15.3 Self-Sustaining Towns 2.15.1.1 Dublin Metropolitan Area - Celbridge, Kilcock 2.15.1.1 Core Area - Clane, Monasterevin 2.15.4 Towns |
2.15.1 Dublin Metropolitan Area 2.15.1.1 Key Town - Maynooth 2.15.1.2 Self-Sustaining Growth Town - Leixlip 2.15.1.3 Self-Sustaining Towns - Celbridge, Kilcock 2.15.2 Core Area 2.15.2.1 Key Town - Naas 2.15.2.2 Self-Sustaining Growth Towns - Newbridge, Kildare, Athy 2.15.2.3 Self-Sustaining Towns - Clane, Monasterevin 2.15.2.4 Towns |
Additionally, the definitions in the Draft Kildare County Development Plan 2023-2029 of what it means for a town to be classified as a certain settlement type lack clarity. The definitions are overly focused on economic growth when the Core Strategy should encompass both economic and population growth.
The text in the Meath County Development Plan 2021-2027 is much clearer than the proposed text in the Draft Kildare County Development Plan 2023-2029 regarding what it means for a town to be classified under a certain Settlement Type, for example:
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Meath County Development Plan 2021-2027 * Active Voice |
Draft Kildare County Development Plan 2023-2029 Passive Voice |
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In the Self-Sustaining Growth Towns of Ashbourne, Kells, Trim, Dunboyne and Dunshaughlin there will be a focus on consolidation and the provision of employment opportunities in tandem with population growth in order to allow these centres to become more self-sufficient. The availability of infrastructural services and community infrastructure will also be an important factor in determining the quantum of new housing and population growth that these settlements could absorb. |
2.15.3 Self-Sustaining Growth Towns The self-sustaining growth towns of Newbridge, Leixlip, Kildare Town and Athy will continue to attract a moderate level of jobs and services through a range of employment types including biotechnology, ICT, high-tech manufacturing and research, bloodstock, tourism and food and beverage products. |
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The focus of growth in the Self-Sustaining Towns of Laytown-Bettystown-Mornington-Donacarney, Ratoath, Enfield, Kilcock, Duleek and Stamullen will be on attracting employment and investment in services alongside a limited population growth and a more balanced delivery of housing. As a core economic policy response which will allow “economic catch-up” as envisaged in the RSES, strategic employment zones have been identified in a number of these towns. |
2.15.4 Self-Sustaining Towns The self-sustaining towns of Celbridge, Kilcock, Monasterevin and Clane which have a high level of population growth and a weak employment base have the potential to improve their employment offering through biotechnology, knowledge based digital enterprises, logistics, tourism and food and beverage products in order to strengthen their overall economic offering. |
* Emphasis added on points that should be clearly addressed in definitions
The County Development Plan needs to be explicit about what it means for each town to be self-sustaining in an individualised way per town. Generalised sentences are not useful for anyone. The approach taken in the Fingal Draft County Develpment Plan 2023-2029 (pages 80-84) is a great example whereby the vision for each Self-Sustaining Town is outlined and specific objectives are included which demonstrate insights into the unique character of each town.