downloads/RPGs/Border Regional Authority RPGs 2010-2022.pdf

Border Regional Authority Planning Guidelines 2010 – 2022 – CHAPTER 1
(NIRSA) in NUI Maynooth will, in the future, provide a greater understanding of cross border movements
and labour catchments within this region and Northern Ireland. It is critical that this work is factored into all
future land use the transport planning in the Border Region and Northern Ireland.
1.5.2 SUB REGIONAL CONTEXT
In 2004, the Regional Planning Guidelines were adopted, and incorporated the roles of Northern Ireland
and the commonalties shared with those areas on the northern side of the border. Consequently, three sub
regions were defined as follows:-
Sub Region 1: Border North West: Donegal and Northern Ireland Hinterland
Sub Region 2: Border West: Sligo, Leitrim and the Northern Ireland Hinterland
Sub Region 3: Border East: Cavan, Monaghan and Louth and Northern Ireland hinterland
Post 2004 it has become apparent that these classifications, whilst broadly accurate, nevertheless require
clarification at the sub-regional level in order to reflect emerging spatial and economic trends.
• Firstly, the growing dynamic presented by an increasingly resurgent Northern Ireland, is one which
must now be factored into any consideration of the spatial direction of the Border Region;
• Secondly, a factor which must be regarded as a constant, is the continued influence of the Greater
Dublin Area (GDA) on a wide geographical area, which spreads far beyond its immediate physical
extent. This GDA sphere of influence now impacts significantly upon eastern areas in the Border
Region;
• Thirdly, there is evidence that the increased galvanisation of the eastern corridor, principally
through infrastructure improvements, is establishing this area of the Region as a distinct subregion
in itself, with weak ties to the remainder of the Region;
• Fourthly, there is increasingly more evidence to suggest that a development corridor is also
emerging along the western seaboard, and is anchored mainly by the linked Gateway of
Letterkenny – Derry. Derry is being afforded a greater spatial planning role within the context of
Northern Ireland, and Letterkenny has grown significantly since the 2002 census. Although Sligo
has not grown in parallel with Letterkenny, there are other settlements such as
Ballybofey/Stanorlar, Ballyshannon and Bundoran which have performed well along this corridor
post 2002, and reinforces its north – south relationship;
• Finally, there are areas of the central Border Region which by the nature of their geographic
position, are not as readily engaged or connected in spatial development terms as postulated by
the NSS.
1.5.3 EMERGENCE OF CORRIDORS IN THE REGION
As outlined above, the existing sub regions define the diversity of the Region, but do not accurately reflect
the functional areas within the Region. There are now two emerging key corridors within the Region, one
being on the eastern seaboard and the other on the western seaboard. The eastern corridor is driven by the
ever increasing ties of the two cities of Belfast and Dublin, and is anchored in this Region by Drogheda and
Dundalk and the ever improving relationship between Newry and Dundalk. This corridor’s sphere of
influence extends into eastern parts of Monaghan and Cavan, and this is reflected in the catchment and
travel to work patterns as outlined in the 2006 census. The western corridor is an extension of the Atlantic
Corridor and extends from the Gateway of Sligo up to the linked Gateway of Letterkenny – Derry. The North
West Gateway Initiative is a key driver of this corridor. Both linked cross-border Gateways, and their
respective development strategies, demonstrate an ability and willingness for collaborative action across
both jurisdictions, and also reflect a strong political commitment in support of cross-border development
strategies.
The remaining area between these corridors is the central Border Region. The challenge for the RPGs is to
link the two emerging corridors through the central Border Region. Key to this will be the linking of the main
settlements through physical and virtual infrastructure links.
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