Economy and Employment - Louth County Council
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Chapter 5 Economy and Employment “To strengthen the employment base and economic profile of Louth that builds on the designation of Drogheda and Dundalk as Regional Growth Centres and maximises the strategic location of the County along the Dublin-Belfast Economic Corridor. The prioritisation of Drogheda and Dundalk for economic investment with the complementary supporting economic role of the smaller towns and villages will ensure the Job:Workforce ratio continues to improve thus creating more balanced and sustainable communities.”
5 ECONOMY AND EMPLOYMENT
5.1 INTRODUCTION
The Draft Plan seeks to support and facilitating future population and
facilitate viable economic development economic growth.
and job creation, across a range of Economic development and employment
sectors, in accordance with the principles in the County is concentrated in business
of proper planning and sustainable parks, industrial estates, and town centres
development. As the population of Louth in Drogheda, Dundalk, Ardee, and
continues to grow, it is essential that the Dunleer. Outside of these settlements
County continues to be well positioned to there are smaller scale enterprises in the
facilitate further economic investment small towns, villages, and open
and respond to any economic countryside.
uncertainties. With over 35,000 jobs in the County and a
This chapter will set out the vision and Jobs:Workforce ratio of 0.71 recorded in
strategy for economic development in the Census 2016, the economic benefits
County during the life of the Draft Plan. It associated with the strategic location of
will identify the opportunities for Louth to the County, and in particular the strength
strengthen its economic base and of the employment base, are apparent.
continue to attract investment and With a net outward migration rate of
support job creation for both indigenous almost 30% of resident workers travelling
and international businesses. The spatial outside the County, the majority of whom
framework for enterprise and work in Dublin, the interdependency
employment development is consistent between Louth and Dublin is evident.
with and aligned to national, regional and At a settlement level, Dundalk is the
local level economic development primary centre of employment in the
policies. County, with almost 14,200 jobs in 2016.
This equates to 40% of the total jobs in
5.2 ECONOMIC PROFILE OF the County and is an indication of the
LOUTH strength of this Regional Growth Centre as
a location for employment. The
The locational advantage of Louth along
Job:Workforce ratio in the town was 0.99
the Dublin-Belfast Economic Corridor with
in 2016, highlighting the close alignment
excellent access to Dublin and Belfast City
between population and employment
Centre, Airport, Port, and surrounding Key
Towns in the Region means the County is growth in the town and the sustainable
well positioned to attract economic platform on which the town is developing.
investment. Drogheda is also an important centre of
The identification of Drogheda and employment with over 12,300 jobs in the
Dundalk as Regional Growth Centres town in 20161. The lower Job:Workforce
(RGCs) in the National Planning ratio is an indication of the
Framework (NPF) and Regional Strategic interdependency of the town with Dublin,
Economic Strategy (RSES) is recognition of due to the higher volume of outbound
the importance of these settlements at commuting for employment.
both a regional and national level in 1
This includes the Southern Environs of the town which
had 1,216 jobs and 3,700 resident workers in 2016.
Draft Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027
5-1
Ardee and Dunleer have a solid The remaining smaller settlements are
employment base, with both towns dependent on outbound commuting and
experiencing a sustainable balance of have a Job:Workforce ratio ranging
population and employment growth. between 0.17 (Clogherhead) and 0.32
When compared to settlements of similar (Termonfeckin). This is an indication of a
sizes, it is apparent that both towns weak employment base.
outperform many other towns in the Figure 5.2 provides a breakdown of the
Region and across the country with regard occupational groups in the County in 2011
to total jobs. This is an indication of the and 2016. It is a useful indication of the
importance of the towns in employment broad range of employment in the
and service provision in their surrounding County, in addition to highlighting the skill
hinterland. Dunleer is the only town in sets of the workforce. These include
the County with a net in-flow of workers business and administrative roles,
in that there are more jobs in the town corporate management, research and
than resident workers, resulting in the engineering, and skilled trades. There was
town having a Job:Workforce ratio of a modest increase in most occupational
1.10. groups between 2011-2016, with
The smaller settlements in the County professional and service occupations
have a more limited employment base recording the highest increase. Skilled
resulting in fewer jobs. Carlingford and construction trades recorded the largest
Castlebellingham/Kilsaran are the decrease during this period.
exceptions with these towns having a
Job:Workforce ratio of 0.8 (370 jobs in the
town) and 0.65 (295 jobs in the town)
respectively.
Draft Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027
5-2Fig 5.1: Resident workers, jobs, and jobs ratio in Louth by settlement in 2016
Resident Workers, Jobs, and Jobs Ratio, 2016
Louth 49,712 0.71 35,451
Dundalk 14,178 0.99 14,163
Drogheda 16,108 0.76 12,361
Ardee 1,819 0.93 1,706
Dunleer 751 1.10 822
Carlingford 459 0.81 370
Castlebellingham/ 0.65
451 295
Kilsaran
Clogherhead 860 0.17 150
Collon 336 0.31 104
Dromiskin 506 0.24 121
Knockbridge 296 0.26 78
Louth Village 281 0.21 60
Omeath 206 0.38 78
Tallanstown 275 0.26 20.5
Termonfeckin 0.32
629 71
Tullyallen 675 0.20 138
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Resident workers Jobs
Draft Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027
5-3Figure 5.2: Breakdown of the labour force in Louth in 2011 and 2016
Labour Force Breakdown 2011 & 2016
Administrative occupations
Business and public service associate professionals
Business, media and public service professionals
Caring personal service occupations
Corporate managers and directors
Culture, media and sports occupations
Customer service occupations
Elementary administration and service occupations
Elementary trades and related occupations
Health and social care associate professionals
Health professionals
Leisure, travel and related personal service occupations
Other managers and proprietors
Other/not stated 2011
2016
Process, plant and machine operatives
Protective service occupations
Sales occupations
Science, engineering and technology associate
professionals
Science, research, engineering and technology
professionals
Secretarial and related occupations
Skilled agricultural and related trades
Skilled construction and building trades
Skilled metal, electrical and electronic trades
Teaching and educational professionals
Textiles, printing and other skilled trades
Transport and mobile machine drivers and operatives
Unemployed - looking for first regular job
0 1000 2000 3000 4000 5000 6000 7000
Draft Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027
5-45.3 EMPLOYER PROFILE
There are a broad range of employers Whilst a Development Plan cannot create
from various industrial sectors based in employment, it has a critical role to play in
Louth. The most prominent sectors facilitating development and supporting
include bio-pharma, food and beverage economic growth. If a Plan is to support
production, manufacturing, financial economic growth, it needs to ensure that
services, and ICT. there are sufficient lands available for
In addition to providing direct investment and that these lands can be
employment, the large businesses and serviced by the required roads, water
employers in the County create higher services, energy, and telecommunications
productivity in the wider economy as they infrastructure. Any deficits in
provide indirect employment in areas infrastructure can result in inefficiencies,
such as service provision, maintenance, loss of output, and higher costs for
and logistics. businesses which ultimately impacts on
Health and education are also prominent economic competitiveness. Regular
employment sectors, with two hospitals engagement and collaboration with
(Our Lady of Lourdes in Drogheda and infrastructure agencies and providers, in
Louth County Hospital in Dundalk) and a identifying and progressing projects that
third level education facility (Dundalk will facilitate economic growth is required
Institute of Technology, DkIT and to ensure there is a coherent and holistic
Drogheda Institute of Further Education, approach to development. Furthermore,
DIFE), located in the County. creating the right environment for
Within the various employment sectors in enterprise and employment to thrive can
the County there are opportunities for deliver high-quality places as they become
continued growth and expansion. attractive locations to work, live, invest,
study and visit.
5.4 ECONOMIC STRATEGY The primary location for employment
The Draft Plan provides a framework for related development during this Draft
economic growth and investment at a Plan will be in the Regional Growth
County level. This framework is closely Centres of Drogheda and Dundalk. These
aligned with national and regional policy settlements have a strong employment
and has taken account of recent base, a wide range of services, and a large
government publications relating to market and catchment, with capacity to
economic development, including the accommodate further investment in
Action Plan for Jobs and Enterprise 2025. centrally located areas where there are
The economic strategy for the County is opportunities to cluster with existing
based on a vision of developing a strong enterprises.
economic base supported by enterprise, By concentrating growth in these
innovation and skills. This Draft Plan seeks settlements there is an opportunity to
to reinforce this vision by aligning with the create a critical mass of population that
key economic principles set out in the will support infrastructure investment and
RSES. consolidate development in these large
urban areas.
Draft Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027
5-5Figure 5.3
5.5 POLICY CONTEXT
In response to the high levels of Regional Enterprise Plans have also been
unemployment experienced across the prepared, with Louth located within the
country during the recession, the North East/North West Region. This
Government published a number of policy Enterprise Plan recognises that this region
initiatives aimed to support economic has a diverse enterprise base and a
growth and job creation. The key flourishing Small and Medium sized
publications are as follows: Enterprise (SME) sector with capacity for
expansion. The talent base and location of
5.5.1 Action Plan for Jobs Institutes of Technology in the Region are
This is an annual publication by the recognised as being important in
Department of Business, Enterprise, and providing an educated workforce. The
Innovation that outlines the Regional Enterprise Plan aims to build on
Government’s approach to maximising job the strengths of the Region, support
creation across the country. It has been continued collaboration between
ongoing since 2012, with each Action Plan businesses, stakeholders, and public
including specific targets relating to agencies, and increase employment.
employment growth.
Draft Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027
5-65.5.2 Action Plan for Rural 5.5.4 Local Economic and
Development Community Plan
In recognition of the challenges facing As part of the restructuring of local
rural areas, an Action Plan for Rural government through the implementation
Development was published in 2017. This of ‘Putting People First’ and the Local
Action Plan ‘Realising Our Rural Potential’ Government Reform Act 2014, local
aims to boost economic development in authorities were given a greater role in
rural areas by improving infrastructure, economic development. This included the
rejuvenating towns and villages, creation of a Local Enterprise Office in
addressing social exclusion, and each local authority, which replaced
supporting job creation. County Enterprise Boards, and the
requirement for each local authority to
5.5.3 Strategic Policy prepare a ‘Local Economic and
The NPF and RSES set out the planning Community Plan 2016-2022 (LECP)’2. The
policy approach for economic Louth LECP was adopted in March 2016.
development at a national and regional The economic goals of the LECP are
level. There is an emphasis on taking a closely linked to the 10 point plans
plan led approach to economic prepared by Louth Economic Forum. The
development that focuses on building primary objective of the LECP is to create
resilience in the economy, promoting a thriving economy and community where
collaboration, innovation, and both indigenous and international
entrepreneurship, enhancing connectivity businesses can prosper. The LECP is
and accessibility, and aligning required to be consistent with the County
infrastructure investment with Development Plan and the Regional
settlements designated for growth. Spatial and Economic Strategy, meaning it
The RSES has identified Drogheda and is closely aligned with planning policy at a
Dundalk as Regional Growth Centres and local, national, and regional level.
recognises the significant potential of
these settlements to function as drivers
2
for economic development in the Region. Section 44 of the Local Government and Reform Act
2014 sets out the requirements to prepare for each local
authority to prepare a Local Economic and Community
Plan
Draft Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027
5-7Figure 5.4: Louth LECP Economic Goals
Draft Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027
5-85.5.5 Louth Economic Forum
Louth Economic Forum was established in The pace of growth in comparison to the
2009 and consists of a multi-disciplinary rest of Europe was evident by a
team from the public and private sector comparison of growth rates.
including local businesses, state agencies, Between 2010 - 2019 the annual average
and the Council. The forum functions as a growth rate of the Irish economy was
one stop shop for potential investors 4.5%, whilst in the rest of Europe, during
providing advice and information. the same period, it was 1.6%5.
A 10 Point Plan published by the Forum Economic projections following the
identified 10 specific areas on which to outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic
focus. A series of Action Plans have been indicate that the economy will shrink in
prepared by the task groups in the Forum. 2020 and fall into recession6. This is in
These Action Plans provide a useful insight contrast to the projections prior to the
into the local economy in Louth in outbreak of the pandemic, which had
addition to setting out a vision as to how projected a continuation of growth, albeit
it is intended to grow and develop the on a more modest trajectory than
economy3. previous years. Due to the uncertainty
surrounding the pandemic, it is difficult to
5.6 RECENT ECONOMIC TRENDS predict its long term economic impact.
The Irish economy was performing However it is widely accepted it will take a
strongly until March 2020 when the significant period of time to return to a
economic shock associated with the normal functioning economy.
Covid-19 pandemic became apparent. At This Draft Plan will support the
the time of writing there were various collaboration between the Council, its
arrangements and policy responses in Local Enterprise Office and the agencies
place for people, businesses, and such as the Industrial Development
government agencies and services across Authority (IDA) and Enterprise Ireland in
the economy and society to cope and working closely with businesses and
manage in these uncertain times. These employers in responding to the pandemic
responses are impacting on economic and providing assistance where possible.
output and performance. It will also seek to set out a framework
Prior to the outbreak of the Covid-19 that will support the creation of an
pandemic the Irish economy had emerged environment, attractive for economic
from a prolonged period of economic investment and employment creation
contraction and stagnation to become one when growth begins to return to the
of the best performing economies in economy.
Europe in recent years. Year on year
3
growth had been experienced since 2014, Click here to access the Action Plans published by the
Louth Economic Forum
resulting in increased employment, 4
wages, and consumer spending. In Q4 of Labour Force Survey Q4 2019
5
2019 the unemployment rate was 4.8%, ESRI Quarterly Economic Commentary Winter 2019
the lowest since 20074. 6
ESRI Quarterly Economic Commentary Spring 2020
Draft Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027
5-95.6.1 Challenges to Future Economic Growth
The Covid-19 pandemic is the greatest between the UK and the EU following
threat the Irish economy has faced since their withdrawal from the EU.
the global financial crisis. The response to These uncertainties may result in
the spread of the virus has resulted in businesses holding back on investment
significant job losses across the economy, and a reduction in consumer spending,
with an unemployment rate of 28.2% with people saving more of their
recorded in April 2020 7 . In September disposable income.
2020 the Government published a The location of Louth along the border
‘Resilience and Recovery Plan for Living makes the County particularly exposed to
with COVID 19’ to manage the risk the uncertainties surrounding Brexit, with
associated with the pandemic and deal businesses having customers, supply
with the social and economic chains, and producers on both sides of the
consequences. Due to the uncertainty border. At present there is a seamless
surrounding the medium-long term transfer of goods and services across the
impacts of the pandemic it is anticipated border as both countries are within the
that the opportunities for economic Single Market. The agri-food sector will be
growth and investment in the immediate particularly affected by any changes to
future will be limited. these circumstances as it will impact on
Ireland has an open economy which supply chains and logistical arrangements.
means it is exposed to any changes or The possible introduction of tariffs, or
volatilities to the economic environment regulatory divergence, would increase
at a global level. Foreign owned costs and result in delays in transporting
multinational companies make a goods and services and would therefore
significant contribution to the Irish increase the cost of doing business.
economy in terms of jobs, exports, and Fluctuations in currency also have an
fiscal revenue. The restrictions on impact on costs and can result in changing
international travel and the lockdown put patterns of consumer behaviour,
in place in countries across the world, as a particularly in border locations where
result of the Covid-19 pandemic, has had people take advantage of the lower
significant implications for international exchange rates. This can have a particular
trade, commerce, and tourism. Ireland’s impact on tourism, with less visitors
open economy is exposed to these travelling from Northern Ireland and
volatilities. Britain due to the devaluation of sterling.
The reliance and interdependency of Whilst there are challenges to the Irish
Ireland on global trade and investments economy as a result of Brexit,
means the response of the global opportunities also exist. Ireland will retain
economy, to the management of the all the benefits of EU membership and the
pandemic will have a significant impact on access to an educated, skilled, English
the future performance of the Irish speaking workforce will be an important
economy. factor in attracting foreign direct
Other concerns in the global economy investment.
relate to ongoing trade tensions between
7
the US and China, and the uncertainty CSO Monthly Unemployment, April 2020. Note that
when persons on the special pandemic payment are
surrounding the future partnership
excluded, the unemployment rate was 5.4%.
Draft Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027
5-10The location of Louth along the border, Policy Objective
where there is excellent connectivity with EE 1 To maximise the economic
both Dublin and Belfast and access to a potential of Louth by building on
well-educated and skilled workforce, its locational advantage along the
makes the County an attractive location to Dublin-Belfast Economic Corridor
UK businesses who require access to the and promoting and marketing the
European market and Irish, European, and Regional Growth Centres of
International businesses who require Drogheda and Dundalk for
access to the UK market. economic investment.
5.7 DUBLIN-BELFAST ECONOMIC Policy Objective
CORRIDOR EE 2 To engage and work closely with
Louth is strategically located between the the Eastern and Midlands Regional
two largest cities on the island, Dublin and Authority and adjoining Local
Belfast. The excellent connectivity Authorities in promoting economic
between the cities via the high capacity development along the Dublin-
road and inter-city rail link, in addition to Belfast Economic Corridor.
the international links via the ports and 5.7.1 Cross Border Investment
airports, has created significant
opportunities for economic investment There is strong support from governments
and job creation. on both sides of the border for continued
The NPF and RSES highlight the co-operation in cross border projects and
importance of this corridor in supporting initiatives. The economic potential of the
economic growth and maintaining Drogheda-Dundalk-Newry network is
economic competitiveness. Opportunities identified in the NPF and RSES. These
to strengthen links along this corridor and settlements have the critical mass to
in particular, the cross border links compete in the global economy and
between Drogheda-Dundalk-Newry, have appeal to higher value segments of the
been identified as a potential driver for business chain by offering sizeable pools
economic growth. The international of suitably qualified workers, supporting
dimension of this corridor has added infrastructure, and high quality public and
significance in the context of the UK commercial services.
withdrawing from the EU. EU Structural Funds such as the INTERREG
This Draft Plan will continue to promote VA Structural Programme provides
and support economic development along funding for cross border projects. This
this Corridor. As part of the strategy of fund is designed to help overcome issues
developing centres of scale, the Regional that arise due to the existence of a
Growth Centres of Drogheda and Dundalk border. The issues can range from health,
will be identified as the primary locations transport, environmental issues, and
for economic growth. enterprise development. The fund is
managed by the Special EU Programmes
Body (SEUPB). There is a commitment
from the EU to continue funding for cross
border projects after the UK withdrawal
from the EU.
Draft Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027
5-11At a local government level cross border DkIT has responded positively to the
cooperation is evident in a Memorandum changing educational and training needs
of Understanding (MOU) that was of both business and industry. A strong
developed and signed by both Louth partnership has developed between DkIT
County Council and Newry, Mourne, and and local employers, with the Institute
Down District Council. The MOU sets out adapting modules and courses to be more
the detailed workings, which seek to responsive to the needs of employers.
support and promote the economic This partnership approach has been a key
development and competitiveness of the element in supporting enterprise
region. The focus for both Councils is on development in the County.
strength in people working together to The Louth and Meath Education and
help and support the local communities Training Board (LMETB) was awarded
they serve. An example of some of the funding in June 2020, through the Border
ongoing cross-border projects in the area Enterprise Fund, for an Advanced
are set out in Table 5.1. Manufacturing Education and Training
Centre in Dundalk. The investment and
5.8 EDUCATION AND TRAINING development of this facility will provide
A well-educated, skilled, and adaptable the labour force with opportunities to
labour force is a fundamental part of develop and enhance their skills in
economic growth and development. Louth Advanced Manufacturing techniques,
has benefitted from the presence of a which is a recognised area of innovation
higher education facility in the County, and competitive advantage required if
with Dundalk Institute of Technology businesses are to successfully compete in
(DkIT) providing opportunities for the global market.
education and skills development for Drogheda Institute of Further Education
people and collaboration between local (DIFE) provides a range of Further
businesses and industry. DkIT is the focal Education courses for school leavers and
point for higher education in the north- adults returning to education. The
east and has a catchment extending to modern facilities available, and the close
both sides of the border. The research relationship with employers, means
portfolio of DkIT in addition to the access courses remain relevant and students can
to an educated workforce strengthens the become familiar with the technology of
knowledge based economy in the County the workplace.
which makes the area attractive to
potential investors.
Table 5.1 Ongoing Cross-Border Projects in Louth
Themes Projects
Renewable Energy and Green VARSITIES, Action for Biodiversity; Energy Efficiency
Technology and Micro Generation; Source to Tap; SWELL project
Carlingford Lough Greenway;
Tourism and Recreation Tourism Management; Greenore to Greencastle Ferry;
EU_SHAFE
Sustainable Economic Growth and Drogheda/Dundalk/Newry Cross Border Economic
Job Creation Zone, CO INNOVATE
Emergency Planning Major Emergency Management Service
Draft Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027
5-125.9 CO-WORKING FACILITIES AND HOME BASED ACTIVITIES
Advances in technology have resulted in This Draft Plan supports the development
changing working environments. There of co-working facilities which provide
are occupations where employees do not flexibility in the working arrangements
have to be in their main place of that will meet the needs of both start-up
employment all the time, as they have the enterprises and established businesses,
ability to work remotely. This is where employees have a local base that
recognised by employers who reduces the requirement to commute
acknowledge the benefits of remote long distances on a daily basis.
working. These benefits include an It is also recognised that small scale home
improved quality of life for employees due based economic activities can be
to a reduction in commuting, with appropriate in certain locations, subject to
businesses benefitting from a reduction in the nature of the business operations and
costs for large areas of office space in uses not negatively impacting on the
prime commercial locations. character and amenities of the area in
which they are located.
Policy Objective
EE 3 To facilitate and support the sustainable growth of the economy in County Louth
whilst maintaining and improving environmental quality. This economic
development policy shall strive to deliver the following key aims:
To strengthen existing employment centres supported by enterprise,
innovation and skills;
To strengthen the integration between employment, housing and
transportation with a view to promoting compact urban areas and reducing
car dependency;
To promote measures to improve the County’s attractiveness as a location for
investment and increase entrepreneurial activity;
To improve the cluster-specific business environment by putting in place a
favourable business ecosystem for innovation and entrepreneurship that
supports the development of new industrial value chains and emerging
industries.
To facilitate economic growth by consolidating existing industrial and
commercial areas and by ensuring that there is an adequate supply of serviced
employment lands at suitable locations;
To promote the regeneration of underutilised industrial and town centre areas
in a manner which enhances the local economy and encourages a sequential
approach to development;
To provide for a range of business accommodation types, including units
suitable for small business.
Policy Objective
EE 4 To work in partnership with national employment agencies including Enterprise Ireland
and the IDA, the EMRA, and the Council’s Local Enterprise Office in promoting Louth as
a location of choice for economic investment and supporting employment generating
initiatives and maximising job opportunities within the County.
Draft Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027
5-13Policy Objective
EE 5 To work closely with the IDA and other agencies in promoting and facilitating foreign
direct investment in Louth.
Policy Objective
EE 6 To collaborate and work in partnership with infrastructure agencies including Irish
Water, Gas Networks Ireland, ESB Networks, the National Transport Authority,
Transport Infrastructure Ireland, and the Office of Public Works in identifying and
progressing infrastructure projects required to facilitate economic development in
the County.
Policy Objective
EE 7 To engage with the Local Community Development Committee, the Local Enterprise
Office, Louth Economic Forum and various stakeholders in supporting the
implementation of the Local Economic and Community Development Plan 2016-
2021 and any subsequent Plans.
Policy Objective
EE 8 To promote the work of the Louth Local Enterprise Office in providing support and
guidance to small and micro enterprises in the County.
Policy Objective
EE 9 To continue to promote collaboration and partnerships between business and
industrial groups and DkIT that will encourage research and development and
provide further education and training opportunities for workers.
Policy Objective
EE 10 To collaborate and work in partnership with Local Authorities in the Eastern and
Midland and Northern and Western Regions in attracting and facilitating economic
investment and employment generating projects and developing the all-island
economy.
Policy Objective
EE 11 To engage with Government agencies and key stakeholders in Northern Ireland in
developing joint economic programmes and initiatives that support cross-border
economic co-operation and development.
Policy Objective
EE 12 To support the development of a strong economic base particularly along the
Dublin-Belfast economic corridor that is supported by enterprise, innovation and
skills whilst maintaining environmental quality.
Policy Objective
EE 13 To support businesses and enterprises, in association with agencies and
stakeholders including the IDA Enterprise Ireland, and the Council’s Local Enterprise
Office, in responding to challenges and uncertainties associated with the UK
withdrawal from the EU.
Draft Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027
5-14Policy Objective
EE 14 To ensure there are sufficient appropriately located lands identified for enterprise
and industrial uses in the County in accordance with the designation of each
settlement in the Settlement Hierarchy that will support economic investment and
employment growth.
Policy Objective
EE 15 To promote and facilitate the provision of a range of employment and enterprise
units of different size, scale, and layout that will increase the choice of such
facilities to meet the requirements of the various enterprise and employment
sectors in the County.
Policy Objective
EE 16 To facilitate and support unexpected opportunities for valid propositions for
enterprise development that may emerge for which there are strong locational
drivers that do not apply to the same extent elsewhere.
Policy Objective
EE 17 To recognise that attractive, healthy, and sustainable communities have a
fundamental role in delivering economic success and attracting foreign and
domestic investment.
Policy Objective
EE 18 To encourage and facilitate the re-use and rejuvenation of vacant and under-
utilised industrial, enterprise, manufacturing, and warehousing units.
Policy Objective
EE 19 To identify locations in the County for different enterprise activities including start-
up/incubator units, small-medium sized enterprise development, micro enterprises,
and large international businesses and corporations.
Policy Objective
EE 20 To recognise the significant economic and employment benefits of similar
enterprises clustering in an area.
Policy Objective
EE 21 To recognise the importance of and to encourage and facilitate the growth and
development of local indigenous enterprises in appropriate locations in the County.
Policy Objective
EE 22 To support the provision of co-working facilities and digital hubs that promote
flexible working arrangements for established businesses, self-employed persons,
and start up enterprises.
Policy Objective
EE 23 To support home based economic activity where it can be demonstrated the nature
of the business operation is of an appropriate scale for its location and would not
be detrimental to the character or amenities of the area.
Draft Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027
5-155.10 MARINE OPPORTUNITIES INCLUDING PORTS
Louth has a coastline of over 90 There are 3 commercial ports in Louth at
kilometres providing significant Drogheda, Dundalk, and Greenore, all of
opportunities for the support of a range of which have been identified as Ports of
marine activities such as aquaculture, Regional Significance in the National Ports
defence, energy, fisheries, mining and Policy 20138. Drogheda is the largest of
aggregates, ports harbours and shipping, these ports that principally handles bulk
telecommunications cables, tourism, traffic. It also operates a limited roll-on,
safety at sea, sport and recreation, and roll-off service.
waste-water treatment and disposal. The Greenore Port is a deepwater port with
National Marine Planning Framework lift on/lift off facilities. It handles non-
(NMPF) is Ireland's first plan for more containerised cargo including bulk animal
sustainable, effective management of feed, feed chemicals, fertiliser, rock, steel,
marine activities. This will guide decision and woodchip. There are bulk dry storage
makers, users and stakeholders towards facilities a short distance from the Port
more strategic, plan-led and efficient use that can cater for a range of dry bulk
of marine resources. products. Dundalk Port is a general cargo
Following the preparation of the Marine Port. The Port imports materials such as
Spatial Plan the Council will ensure that plasterboard, feedstuff, oil, coal, timber,
there is alignment and consistency and steel. Exports include scrap metal and
between land use and ocean based turf. Clogherhead Port functions primarily
planning. A challenge to the maritime as a fishing port. The harbour area was
economy is the effective management of recently upgraded which provides
available space and the ability to facilities for a large fishing fleet. In
maximise the economic, social and addition there are facilities for sea
environmental benefits of access for all. anglers.
Consideration will be given to the co- Figure 5.5 provides details of the tonnage
existence of activities where possible. of goods handled by commercial ports in
This will enable activities to continue Louth in 20199.
and/or grow while minimising competing This highlights the volume of goods
demands for limited space and/or passing through the ports and is an
resources. This is particularly important in indication of the importance of these
areas close to the coast where many facilities in providing international
locations are already busy, with connectivity to business and industry in
aspirations for emerging growth, such as the region.
in Carlingford and Clogherhead. This Draft Plan will support the expansion
The Council recognises the importance of and improvements to Port facilities in the
the blue economy and maritime heritage County in order to maintain connectivity
and recognise that there are significant and competitiveness and support the
opportunities in the marine or blue economic growth of the County and wider
economy relating to fishing, renewables, Region.
seaweed harvesting, aquaculture,
8
tourism. Table 2.8 of the National Ports Policy (2013, Dept of
Transport, Tourism and Sport
Ports have an important role in enabling
9
economic growth and providing Statistics of Port traffic, CSO
international connectivity.
Draft Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027
5-16Figure 5.5: Tonnages handled by Louth Ports 2019
Tonnage Handled by Louth Ports 2019
78,000
1,023,000
1,530,000
Drogheda Greenore Dundalk
Policy Objective
EE 24 To ensure alignment between the policies objectives of this Draft Plan and the
Marine Spatial Plan following its publication.
Policy Objective
EE 25 To support development and growth of the maritime economy and balance the
competing demands for available space along the coast by different users and
encourage co-location and co-existence of activities and infrastructure while having
regard to appropriate environmental considerations.
Policy Objective
EE 26 To recognise that the Port facilities at Drogheda, Greenore, Dundalk, and
Clogherhead are an important economic resource and to support any
improvements or expansion to these Port facilities at Drogheda, Greenore and
Clogherhead and the consolidation of Dundalk Port, subject to the preparation of a
Master Plan and appropriate environmental considerations.
Draft Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027
5-175.11 AREAS TO BE IDENTIFIED FOR GROWTH
The following sections of this chapter will Policy Regional Policy Objective 6.30 of
provide an overview and strategy for the RSES seeks to support existing smart
employment related development in the city initiatives such as, Smart Dublin and
County. the All Ireland Smart Cities Forum as well
as supporting the development of smart
5.11.1 Regional Growth Centres city programmes in Athlone, Drogheda
The NPF identified settlements below city and Dundalk. Smart cities boost the
level with an important function in the location’s attractiveness for people and
context of regional development. In the business, especially those who want to
Eastern and Midland Region the innovate.
settlements identified were Athlone, While there is no universal definition for a
Drogheda, and Dundalk. In the RSES for ‘Smart City’ this term generally refers to a
the Eastern and Midland Region these city or town that uses technology to
settlements were designated ‘Regional provide services and solve city/town
Growth Centres’ and are to be a focal problems such as improved access to
point for population and employment transport services, reducing waste and
growth. The following section will provide inconvenience and maximizing social
an overview of the Regional Growth inclusion. A key component to a ‘Smart
Centres of Drogheda and Dundalk. city’ is the use of real-time data to support
The concentration of development in the introduction of tools that create well-
these settlements will create a critical being within that city/town.
mass of population and employment
opportunities and will allow these
settlements to develop as centres of scale,
and act as a counter balance to Dublin
thereby supporting more balanced
regional development.
Policy Objective
EE 27 To prioritise economic development in Drogheda and Dundalk taking account of
the strategic importance of the settlements along the Dublin-Belfast Economic
Corridor and their designation as Regional Growth Centres in the RSES.
Policy Objective
EE 28 To take a positive and pro-active approach when considering the economic impact
of major planning applications in the Regional Growth Centres of Drogheda and
Dundalk in order to support economic development and employment growth and
to deliver high quality outcomes.
Policy Objective
EE 29 To promote and facilitate the Regional Growth Centres of Drogheda and Dundalk as
creative and innovative centres that are competitive, accessible, attractive, each
with their own distinct identity and built heritage.
Draft Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027
5-18Policy Objective
EE 30 To promote the development of essential infrastructure and utilities that support
businesses in establishing a competitive and resilient stronghold at local, regional
and national level.
Policy Objective
EE 31 To support the development of Smart City Programmes in the Regional Growth
Centres of Drogheda and Dundalk.
Draft Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027
5-195.12 DROGHEDA
5.12.1 Profile
Drogheda10 is strategically located on the The nature of the works at this facility
southern boundary of Louth, requires a large landholding and
approximately 30 minutes from Dublin associated structures.
airport. The town functions as an Closer to the town centre on the
important service centre for the south of Greenhills Road, the Greenhills Industrial
the County with a catchment extending to Estate includes manufacturing and
east Meath and north Fingal. services based enterprises.
Drogheda Profile
Total Jobs 12,361
Jobs:Resident Workers
63.20%
0.76
Labour force participation
rate
Resident workers 16,108
Population 2016 40,956
0 5,000 10,000 15,000 20,000 25,000 30,000 35,000 40,000 45,000 The Boyne Business Park is located to the
rear of this facility and is the base for a
5.12.2 Existing Employment number of indigenous engineering,
Employment sectors in the town include environmental, and food processing
information and communications enterprises. On the southern side of the
technology, business, professional and River Boyne along the Marsh Road there is
financial services, manufacturing, a Marine Terminal operated by Flogas.
healthcare, food and drink processing, There is potential for additional
tourism and hospitality services, and employment uses on undeveloped lands
retailing. In 2016 there were over 12,300 adjacent to this facility. Drogheda
jobs in Drogheda 11 which represents Industrial Park is located on the Donore
almost 35% of the total jobs in the Road on the western side of the town in
County. proximity to Junction 8 of the M1. This
Outside the town centre, established Park hosts a mixture of businesses related
employment areas are in proximity to the to wholesale, retailing, and servicing
Port along the Boyne Road and along the enterprises.
Donore Road in the western part of the 10
The economic profile for Drogheda includes the
town. Southern Environs of the town which is in the
Our Lady of Lourdes hospital at administrative area of Meath. In 2016 the population of
Moneymore in the northern part of the Drogheda within the administrative area of Louth was
34,199. There were 12,408 resident workers in the
town also provides significant Louth area of the town and 11,145 jobs resulting in a
employment. RHI Magnesita (Premier Job:Workforce ratio of 0.90.
Periclase) manufacturing facility is a 11
Including 1,216 jobs in the Southern Environs
significant employer adjacent to the Port.
Draft Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027
5-205.12.3 Drogheda Port
Drogheda Port is an important economic There are two large parcels of
asset to the town and local businesses for undeveloped lands zoned for employment
importing and exporting raw materials uses to the north of the town. These are
and products. It provides for both general located adjacent to the M1 Retail Park and
freight and container services and can opposite Tom Roes Point ferry terminal.
handle various types of cargo. There are The release of employment lands opposite
two facilities for the loading and Tom Roes Ferry terminal will require the
discharging of cargo; the inner north delivery (or partial delivery) of the Port
quays port and the deep water facility at Access Northern Cross Route (PANCR) and
Tom Roes Point Terminal. water services infrastructure. PANCR is
Tom Roes Point is the primary container part of the long term transport strategy
and paper and timber handling facility, for Drogheda that would improve
while the inner north quay port is a connectivity to the port and remove port
general cargo facility catering for products related traffic from the town centre and
including bulk grains, steel, and timber. In facilitate the regeneration of town centre
addition there is a private hydrocarbon lands.
facility and a private bulk At present there is no funding available
cement/magnesite/coal facility. The for the construction of this road or the
regional significance of the Port 12 is water services infrastructure therefore its
recognised in the RSES. delivery would have to be developer
driven. Taking account of the extent of
these lands and the interdependency of
the lands with the construction of the
PANCR and delivery of water services
infrastructure, a Master Plan will be
required to be prepared and agreed with
the Planning Authority prior to any
planning application being lodged.
This Draft Plan also recognises the A Master Plan will also be required for the
economic importance of the Port in employment lands in the vicinity of the
providing access to international markets M1 Retail Park. Provision of the
for local businesses and therefore aforementioned Master Plans will ensure
supports the sustainable growth of the a holistic and co-ordinated approach is
facility, subject to any expansion meeting taken to the development of the lands.
the necessary environmental criteria. These Master Plans will set out a
Section 5.10 provides additional details in conceptual layout and provide
relation to port facilities in the County. infrastructural details including roads,
water services, and surface water in
5.12.4 Undeveloped Employment
addition to a phasing programme for the
Lands build out of the lands.
The existing industrial parks in the town
12
are well established with limited capacity Regional Policy Objective 4.12 of the RSES supports
the role of Drogheda Port.
for expansion.
Draft Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027
5-215.12.5 Employment Areas in the Southern Environs of Drogheda
In developing a coherent employment As part of the Joint Urban / Local Area
strategy for Drogheda, consideration must Plan with Meath County Council, a co-
be given to existing employment lands in ordinated approach to the future
the Southern Environs of the town located development of employment lands will be
in County Meath. These employment required to ensure the town develops in a
lands include an IDA Business and holistic manner.
Technology Park along the Donore Road,
which has had limited success in attracting
investment, and a substantial tract of
undeveloped employment lands south of
the Platin Road.
Policy Objective
EE 32 To promote the Regional Growth Centre of Drogheda as a primary centre for
employment in the County that maximises the locational advantage of the town
along the Dublin-Belfast Economic Corridor.
Policy Objective
EE 33 To develop an economic vision and strategy for Drogheda in association with
Meath County Council and other stakeholders as part of the Joint Urban / Local
Area Plan for Drogheda.
Policy Objective
EE 34 To recognise that the Port facility at Drogheda is an important economic resource
and to support any improvements or expansion to the Port facilities subject to the
preparation of a Master Plan and compliance with relevant planning and
environmental criteria.
Policy Objective
EE 35 To support the development of employment lands in the town including:
i) The lands in the northern part of the town adjacent to the M1 Retail Park
ii) The lands opposite Tom Roes Point ferry terminal
The development of these lands shall be for economic investment and employment
generating uses. No development shall take place in the absence of a Master Plan
being agreed in writing with the Planning Authority.
Policy Objective
EE 36 To support the delivery of the Port Access Northern Cross Route which will release
strategically located lands for economic development and employment related
uses.
Draft Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027
5-225.13 DUNDALK
5.13.1 Profile
Dundalk is an important employment hub There are employment parks and
in the north-east of the Country with an industrial estates located in various parts
established base of both indigenous and of the town, with the older, established
Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) industrial estates closer to the town
businesses. centre on the Coes Road and Ardee Road.
Dundalk Profile
Total Jobs 14,163
59.50% Jobs:Resident Workers
Resident workers 14,178 Labour force participation
0.99
rate
Population 2016 39,004
0 5,000 10,000 15,000 20,000 25,000 30,000 35,000 40,000 45,000
Local and indigenous businesses are
The town has continued to broaden its
located in these estates and include
employment base and has benefitted
manufacturing, engineering, servicing, and
from the presence of a third level
wholesale suppliers.
education facility in the town, with
Foreign Direct Investment companies are
Dundalk Institute of Technology
clustered in an established education and
developing a partnership with local
industrial zone in the southern part of the
businesses and enterprises and providing
town, where there are approximately 450
employers with a skilled and educated
hectares of land identified for
workforce. In 2016 there were over
employment related uses. The
14,100 jobs in Dundalk, which equated to
Mullagharlin Framework Plan for these
40% of the total jobs in the County.
lands was adopted in 2008. Approximately
5.13.2 Existing Employment 116 hectares of the Framework Plan lands
Environment have been developed. This includes the
DkIT campus and the IDA Business Park.
The location of the town on the border
provides challenges and opportunities. 5.13.3 Dundalk and Greenore Ports
The challenges relate to uncertainty and Dundalk is connected to international
increased costs of doing business as a markets via the existing port facilities in
result of the UK withdrawal from the EU, the town and at Greenore. These facilities
which may ultimately result in a loss of are an important resource to local
customers and trade. On a more positive businesses in the import and export of
note, there are opportunities for both UK products and raw materials to
based and EU based companies who wish international markets. Section 5.10
to retain strong connections with both provides further details on these facilities.
jurisdictions, to locate in Dundalk due to
the accessibility to both markets from the
town.
Draft Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027
5-235.13.4 Sustainable Energy Zone 5.13.6 Strategy for Future
Dundalk has been at the forefront in the Employment Growth
area of energy conservation and The strategy for economic development in
development of renewable technologies Dundalk during the life of this Draft Plan,
through the identification of a is to build on recent economic successes
‘Sustainable Energy Zone’ in the town. The and continue to maximise the potential of
objective of the designation was to the town for job creation and economic
promote and stimulate a shift in the use growth. The Council will continue to work
of energy by industry, public bodies, closely and engage with infrastructure
education facilities, and residential providers in investing in infrastructure and
communities. This Draft Plan will continue identifying future requirements to
to support the creation of sustainable facilitate economic development.
energy communities. Future employment and enterprise
5.13.5 Creating an Attractive development in the employment areas
will be concentrated on appropriately
Public Realm
zoned lands in the northern and southern
As part of the strategy of creating an parts of the town. FDI investments will
attractive environment for people to live continue to be concentrated primarily in
and work, the Council is in the process of the IDA Business Park at Mullagharlin. The
implementing a Public Realm employment generating lands on the
improvement project in the centre of the Armagh Road, and the south-west of the
town. This includes improvements to the Ballymacscanlon roundabout, opposite
streetscape, replacement of street Dundalk Stadium, are suitable for various
furniture and landscaping, with the uses including offices, industrial, storage,
objective to improve access for people in warehousing, and logistics operations.
the town centre whilst also retaining ease
of access for buses, cyclists, and cars.
Policy Objective
EE 37 To promote the Regional Growth Centre of Dundalk as a primary centre for
employment in the County that will allow the town to function as a driver for
economic growth in the border area.
Policy Objective
EE 38 To continue to promote collaboration and partnerships between business and
industrial groups and DkIT that will encourage research and development and
provide further education and training opportunities for workers.
Policy Objective
EE 39 To support the role of DkIT as a centre of excellence for education, innovation and
research.
Policy Objective
EE 40 To promote Dundalk as a location for Foreign Direct Investment.
Draft Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027
5-24Policy Objective
EE 41 To continue to support the implementation of the Mullagharlin Framework Plan
2008 which will ensure that future development in the Framework Plan area will be
of a design and layout of international quality that will allow Dundalk to continue to
compete for international investment.
Policy Objective
EE 42 To support the development of undeveloped employment lands in Dundalk for
economic investment and employment generating uses.
Policy Objective
EE 43 To support economic development and regeneration at Dundalk Port Harbour area.
Draft Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027
5-255.14 ARDEE
The designation of Ardee as a Self- Existing employment in Ardee is
Sustaining Growth town is testament to concentrated in Ardee Business Park, on
the solid employment base in the town, the eastern side of the town, and Farrell’s
where, in 2016 there was a Business Park, to the north of John Street,
Jobs:Workforce ratio of 0.93, with in on the western side of the town. There
excess of 1,700 jobs in the town. are also a number of individual businesses
Ardee Profile operating in various parts of the town. St.
Brigid’s Hospital, which is a HSE residential
Total Jobs 1,706 facility, is located on the N52.
Resident workers 1,819
Population 2016 4,928 60.40% Jobs:Resident Workers
0.93 Labour force participation
0 1,000 2,000 3,000 4,000 5,000 6,000 rate
The town has a well connected road
network within the region and border
areas via national primary and secondary
roads in addition to being in proximity to On the northern edge of the town off the
the motorway. This strategic location, in N33 at Cappocksgreen there is a large
addition to the availability of lands for parcel of undeveloped lands zoned for
employment uses, places Ardee in a employment related uses. These lands
strong position to accommodate further have the capacity to accommodate
employment growth during the life of this significant economic investment. There
Draft Plan. are also lands available adjacent to
Farrell’s Industrial Estate which are
presently undeveloped.
Policy Objective
EE 44 To continue to promote Ardee as a competitive and attractive location for
economic development emphasising Foreign Direct Investment.
Policy Objective
EE 45 To work in partnership with development agencies in the County to promote
economic development, enterprise, innovation, research and development, and
employment.
Policy Objective
EE 46 To promote and support the development of the lands zoned for employment
generating uses at Cappocksgreen in the northern part of the town.
Draft Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027
5-265.15 DUNLEER
Dunleer benefits from convenient access
to the motorway which makes the
settlement an attractive location for 62.60%
economic investment. Jobs:Resident Workers
1.1
Dunleer Profile Labour force participation rate
Total Jobs 822
Resident workers 751 This Draft Plan will continue to promote
the economic growth of Dunleer which
Population 2016 1,822 will allow businesses to cluster with
0 500 1,000 1,500 2,000
established enterprises thereby
strengthening and broadening the
Whilst it is a relatively small settlement in
employment base and ensuring the town
terms of population, it has a solid
continues to develop in a sustainable
employment base with in excess of 800
platform. Lands in the south-western edge
jobs in the town in 2016. In the 2016
of the town to the west of the R132 have
census the town had the highest
been identified for employment related
jobs:workforce in the County with a ratio
development. The development of these
of 1.1.
lands will be subject to the preparation of
Employment in Dunleer is concentrated in
a Master Plan.
the Enterprise Park on the Ardee Road
where there are a cluster of businesses
located, and on the Barn Road to the
south east of the town centre.
Policy Objective
EE 47 To continue to promote Dunleer as a competitive and attractive location for
economic development.
Policy Objective
EE 48 To work in partnership with development agencies in the County to promote
economic development, enterprise, innovation, research and development, and
employment.
Policy Objective
EE 49 To require the preparation of a Master Plan for the lands zoned for Industry,
Enterprise and Innovation uses in the south western part of the town. This Master
Plan shall include details of the conceptual layout, infrastructure details, and
phasing of the development (including the provision of infrastructure).
Draft Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027
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