Notice is hereby given, pursuant to Section 31(1) of the Planning and Development Act 2024 of the intention of the Southern Regional Assembly to commence a review of the existing Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy (RSES) including three Metropolitan Area Strategic Plans (MASPs) for Cork, Limerick-Shannon and Waterford and prepare a new Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy and new Metropolitan Area Strategic Plans for a period of between 10 and 20 years.
The Southern Regional Assembly is one of three Regional Assemblies in Ireland, established under the Local Government Act 2014. The Southern Region is comprised of nine counties (10 Local Authorities with Cork City Council and Cork County Council), Carlow, Clare, Cork, Kerry, Kilkenny, Limerick, Tipperary, Waterford, and Wexford.
The Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy including Metropolitan Area Strategic Plans provides a long-term strategic planning and economic framework for the development of the Southern Region, supporting the implementation of the National Planning Framework, as well as the economic policies and objectives of Government. The review of the RSES and MASPs shall consider all matters set out in Section 29 of the Planning and Development Act 2024 (as amended).
The Southern Regional Assembly will carry out a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA), Regional Flood Risk Assessment (RFRA), and an Appropriate Assessment (AA) as part of the review of the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy and will prepare a Natura Impact Report, and an Environmental Report on the likely significant effects on the environment as a result of implementing the new RSES and MASPs.
To support public participation in the process, Issues Papers have been prepared. Copies of the Issues Papers can be accessed at the following locations:
• SRA Website: https://southernassembly.ie/rses-review/
• SRA Office: (standard weekday office hours apply) Southern Regional Assembly, Assembly House, O’Connell Street, Waterford X91F8PC.
• The planning counter in Civic Offices, Clonmel and Nenagh during opening hours .
Observations on the Review and preparation of a new Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy including Metropolitan Area Strategic Plans can be made in writing between the 26 March 2026 and 5.00pm on the 22 May 2026 via any of the following communication methods:
Online: https://consult.southernassembly.ie
Email: rses@southernassembly.ie
Postal Address: RSES Submissions, Southern Regional Assembly, Assembly House, O’Connell Street, Waterford X91F8PC
The Southern Regional Assembly will consider all observations received before preparing a new Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy. Please note that observations may be published on our website and subject to Freedom of Information legislation.