An Economic and Spatial Plan for Limerick Appendices

Limerick 2030 An Economic and Spatial Plan for Limerick
2. Policy Context
This section highlights the most significant and pertinent policy position as it impacts on Limerick.
National Policy
National Spatial Strategy 2002-2020 (NSS)
The NSS is a twenty-year strategic planning framework designed to deliver more balanced social,
economic and physical development between regions. A commitment to prepare a spatial
strategy, to plan at national level for the country’s future spatial development, was included in the
National Development Plan 2000-2006. The NSS designated nine Gateways to develop new and
existing cities so as to concentrate development within these settlements and allow them to reach
their full potential. Nine hubs are designated under the strategy to provide support to the gateways
and the rural catchment surrounding the hubs. It is likely that a review of the NSS will begin in the
near future, possibly within the next 12 months.
The Limerick/Shannon Gateway has been designated as a joint Gateway due to the status of
Limerick as the third largest city in Ireland, along with Shannon, which provides its international urban
connections. The NSS focuses on improving infrastructure connections between cities and it is an
objective of the strategy to improve links between Galway, Cork, Limerick/Shannon and Waterford
so as to provide a polycentric network which would counterbalance Dublin. The linking of these cities
falls under the Atlantic Gateway designation (Appendix 2).
With regard to the Mid-West the NSS states that the “Mid-West (Counties Clare, Limerick and North
Tipperary) will require the enhancement of the performance of the Limerick/Shannon Gateway at
national/international level. This is needed to lever additional investment for the overall region,
through its critical mass, strategic location, capacity for innovation and development and
connections within the national transport framework. Limerick/Shannon Gateway will be supported
by Ennis as a hub, taking advantage of the latter’s relationship with the Limerick/Shannon Gateway
and its strategic location between Limerick and Galway. Other towns and rural areas should be
supported in developing complementary roles which avail of the spin-off benefits which the
performance of the Limerick/Shannon Gateway will bring to the region.” 1
1 National Spatial Strategy 2002-2020, Section 4.5 “The Mid-West Region”, pg.82
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