The Economic Development Chapter presented as part of the Draft Plan is welcomed by the Assembly. The overall aim of the chapter is ‘To promote and develop Laois’ economy and create a viable and favourable economic environment for business and enterprise to thrive both in urban and rural areas whilst delivering sustainable jobs, employment opportunity both within the County and beyond.’
Notwithstanding the inclusion of the policy context at Section 6.2, it is considered that the Council should consult with Chapter Six of the RSES, including Figure 6.3, in advance of finalising this chapter in order to strengthen the chapter structure and content. This includes reference, for instance, to the provision of policy relating to smart specialisation, clustering, placemaking, orderly growth and future proofing.
The inclusion of an economic profile of County Laois is a positive addition to the Plan. However, it is considered that this economic profile could be further developed in order to create a strong and robust evidence base for the formulation of related economic policy.
The Assembly welcomes the inclusion of Section 6.9 related to Climate Action and Jobs. This is reflective of RPO 6.9 of the RSES which seeks to ensure that the Midlands is well positioned to address the challenges posed by the transition to a low carbon economy and renewable energy. The Assembly welcomes the inclusion of reference to the CUBE at Portlaoise, a Low Carbon Centre of Excellence, that will act as a focal point for the development of new business and economic activity and that in turn will support and assist a transition to a low carbon economy. This is a timely development and its inclusion is supportive of RPO 4.72 which supports the transition of Portlaoise to a low carbon town centre.
As part of the related ‘Climate Action and Jobs’ theme, it is recommended that the Council address the concept of Just Transition given its substantial policy and financial support, both nationally and at EU level, and that it is a significant catalyst for economic and social change in the Midlands representing a significant step forward in the transition towards a low carbon economy.
As part of Section 6.11, the Assembly welcomes the indication that the primary place for job creation will be in the Key Town of Portlaoise and also in the Key Town of Graiguecullen/ Carlow, where job creation and investment opportunities will be developed in collaboration with the Carlow County Council. This is to be supported by job creation in Portarlington. Notwithstanding this, it is considered that the final plan should include an explicit policy objective that reinforces the spatial expression for the development of the County in line with the Core Strategy, ensuring that the economic development hierarchy is reflective of the settlement hierarchy presented.
The Assembly notes and welcomes the inclusion of Policy Objective ED 2 which aims to support the development of J17-National Enterprise Park in line with RPO 4.73 of RSES. In addition, the inclusion of Policy ED 3 which aims to ‘provide a landing space for businesses who wish to establish a second site in a more competitively priced location’ is noted. Notwithstanding this, and related policy inclusions, a Midland Economic Paper currently being prepared by the Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly, has found a shortage of appropriately sized land banks and FDI/IDA appropriate business premises throughout the Region, including in Portlaoise. In this regard, the Assembly ask that the Local Authority consider the inclusion of a complimentary policy and/or objective, to enable the delivery of same. The addition of a policy to this effect, shall ensure that the inclusion and quantum of any related lands is in accordance with the provisions of the Core Strategy and evidence based. The Midland Economic Paper is forthcoming and may assist the council in the finalisation of the content of this chapter.