The Southern Regional Assembly is inviting people in Cork and across the Southern Region to share their views as it begins the review of the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy (RSES) and the Metropolitan Area Strategic Plans (MASPs) for Cork, Limerick and Waterford.

A local public consultation will be held at Millennium Hall, Cork (T12 T997) on Friday, 15 May, from 3.00pm to 6.30pm. This is a drop-in session where attendees can meet Assembly staff, learn about the review process, and put forward ideas for Cork and the wider region. The venue is fully accessible and open to all.

"This review is a once‑in‑six‑years opportunity for people in Cork and across the Southern Region to shape how our communities develop," said David Kelly, Director of the Southern Regional Assembly. "We encourage everyone to come along, share their ideas, and help us build a sustainable and thriving region."

The RSES and MASPs set the long-term direction for how the Southern Region grows, informing decisions on housing, transport, services, employment, climate action and public investment. They also underpin Local Authority Development Plans, including the Waterford City and County Development Plan.

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The Assembly is seeking feedback on priorities such as:

- Planning for sufficient homes, services and amenities in our communities

- Creating vibrant, sustainable and well-connected towns and neighbourhoods

- Advancing climate action and protecting the environment

- Building energy independence

- Expanding accessible, low‑carbon transport choices

- Developing a strong, competitive and fair regional economy

- Strengthening skills, innovation and learning opportunities

For Cork specifically, the review will help frame priorities for metropolitan growth, better transport links, housing delivery, university‑related development and wider economic opportunities across the city and county.

Issues Papers to support engagement — including the Cork Metropolitan Area Strategic Plan Issues Paper — are available at:

- www.southernassembly.ie/rses-review

- The Southern Regional Assembly Office, O'Connell Street, Waterford (weekday office hours)

- Planning counters in all 10 local authorities across the Southern Region

Submissions are invited from 26 March 2026 until 5pm on 22 May 2026 via:

- Online: consult.southernassembly.ie

- Email: [email protected]

- Post: RSES Submissions, Southern Regional Assembly, Assembly House, O'Connell Street, Waterford, X91 F8PC

Early input will guide the overall direction of the updated strategies before detailed proposals are drafted, with further opportunities to comment later in the process.

Residents, community groups, business owners, commuters, students and local organisations in Cork are encouraged to attend the Millennium Hall event on 15 May and have their say on the region's future.