Understanding Smart Cities: Urban Planning in Ireland

Course Information

• Course title: Understanding and Managing Smart Cities
• Course code: BDE3135
• Instructor: Dr. Ramy Ahmed Fathy
• Department: Digital & Sustainable Business Economics
• College: College of Management & Technology - Cairo

Chapter 3: Urban Planning - Introduction to the Irish Case

Agenda

• National Planning Framework
• Compact Growth Strategy
• Housing for All
• Climate Action Plan
• Mobility Policy
• National Policy on Architecture
• Master Plan Belmayne & Belcamp

Sustainable and Compact Growth

• Ireland's National Planning Framework (NPF) 2018 outlines a strategy for planning and development.
• The NPF forecasts ongoing population growth above the EU average by 2040.
• The strategy prioritizes compact growth and urban consolidation to make the country more competitive.
• Dublin City is seen as critical to national competitiveness.
• The NPF aims to have at least 50% of new Dublin and surrounding city homes developed within existing built-up areas.
• The development of Clongriffin is a key growth area in Dublin.

National Strategic Outcomes

• Regional Balance - A 50/50 split of growth between Eastern & Midland regions.
• City & Regional Growth Drivers - A major objective is to increase population growth in the five main Irish cities (Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Galway and Waterford). Growth will be targeted in existing built-up areas or brownfield sites.
• Compact Urban Growth - The target is for 50% or new housing growth in the five major cities and 30% across the remainder of the country.

Compact Growth as a Clear and Focused Strategy

• The current dispersed settlement development model is recognized as detrimental to people, economy, and environment.
• The focus is on renewal and re-use, instead of sprawl.
• Growth should be accommodated with a focus on public transport.
• There should be local amenities and services accessible in a 15-minute radius.

15-Minute City

• This concept centers on ease of access to essential services, amenities, and transport within a short walk or cycle from home,
• Compact neighborhoods promote lower carbon lifestyles.

Greenways

• Greenways are non-motorized routes developed to enhance the environment and quality of life.
• It promotes accessible access to non-motorized journeys.

Incentives and Policy Actions

• Government incentives are needed to support more intensive use of existing buildings and properties.
• Land and infill sites that are served by public transport should be prioritized for development.

Compact Growth

• Increased building density is being promoted, particularly in city centres and near public transport.

Housing for All

• Housing for All 2021/2030 is an Irish Government plan.
• This plan aims for affordable, sustainable, and high-quality housing for all.
• It emphasizes a strong role for the state in land management to achieve the aims of the NFP.

Climate Action Plan 2023

• This plan outlines actions for halving emissions and achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.
• The plan addresses the overreliance on private cars and encourages more sustainable and efficient transports.
• It includes guidance on planning for sustainable growth & settlements.

Net Zero Climate Target

• Aiming to balance the amount of greenhouse gases released with the amount removed from the atmosphere.
• This is necessary to prevent further global warming.
• Human activities are the primary contributors to GHG emissions.

Major Sinks for GHGs

• Forests and vegetation
• Oceans
• Soil and Peatlands
• Other technologies are also being developed but not yet widely deployed

Achieving Net Zero

• To reach net-zero, countries need to reduce emissions, enhance sinks, and innovate with new technologies.

Masterplan Belmayne & Belcamp Lane

• This plan aims to guide development of 24 hectares of land towards a new town centre and residential area on the Malahide Rd.

Dublin City Development Plan 2016-2022

• The development plan sets a framework for the Masterplan lands.
• It has a zoning objective of Z14 for the area and it promotes a blend of mixed use (residential, commercial etc).
• This zoning area is meant to foster a vibrant, balance and sustainable environment for both residents and business interests

Clongriffin-Belmayne Local Area Plan (LAP) 2012

• The plan identifies the lands at Belmayne and Belcamp Lane to facilitate the creation of a mixed-use urban district, centred on transport.

Explore Chapter 3 of the course 'Understanding and Managing Smart Cities', focusing on urban planning strategies in Ireland. This chapter discusses the National Planning Framework and its implications for compact growth, housing, and climate action. Enhance your understanding of urban development policies and their significance for sustainable cities.