Work has got underway on a major planning, land use and transportation strategy for Clare, North Tipperary, and Limerick.

Limerick City Council, on behalf of the Mid West's Regional and Local Authorities, has signed an agreement with the international civil engineering consultancy, Mott MacDonald Pettit, to prepare the long-term framework for guiding future residential, commercial and industrial development in the Mid West region.

The Mid West Area Strategic Plan (MWASP) is also expected to have a significant bearing on the development of the region’s transportation infrastructure over the next 30 years. Limerick City Council will act as lead authority for the project on behalf of the MWRA, Clare County Council, Limerick County Council and North Tipperary County Council.

Tom Mackey, Limerick City Manager and designated MWRA Manager stressed the importance of developing a plan for land use, and a transportation strategy for the region to help it compete nationally and internationally.

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"The strategy output will integrate transport and land use planning in the Mid West Region, while embracing the sustainable philosophy, and planning for the region’s current and future needs."

MWRA Director Liam Conneally said the strategy is not intended to be an 'end-state', but rather the first substantial step in a 30-year strategy that will shape the future of the Mid-West Region.

"During the recent economic boom much development has been developer-led whereby strategic locations have been land banked for potential future development," he said.

"This study, however, is plan-led whereby the Regional and Local Authorities identify locations deemed suitable for sustainable development."

Mr Conneally said the strategy would provide the Mid West Authorities with evidence-based cases to justify undertaking large-scale planning and transportation projects.

"The Regional and Local Authorities will be able to use the model to determine the potential impacts of any large scale commercial, retail or employment creation proposals on the existing transportation network," he said.

The study will be used to leverage public and private funding into the provision of public infrastructure for the region.

It will facilitate and guide the Government’s feasibility study into Luas-style light rail transit systems in Limerick, as well as support the continuation and completion of work on the N18 Dual Carriageway linking Limerick with Galway.

(PR/JM)