10.1 Introduction

10.1 Introduction

The sustainable growth of the Region requires the provision of services and infrastructure in a plan led manner to ensure that there is adequate capacity to support future development. High-quality infrastructure is an important element of a modern society and economy, it provides essential functions and services that support societal, economic and environmental systems at local, regional and national levels.

It strengthens economic growth through enhancing efficiency, productivity and competitiveness, creates sustainable and attractive places, and underpins social cohesion through providing vital facilities for people in the form of schools, public transport, healthcare and housing. Ireland’s abundant natural and environmental resources such as our water sources are critical to our environmental and economic wellbeing into the future. Conserving and enhancing the quality of these resources will also become more important in a crowded and competitive world as well as our capacity to create beneficial uses from products previously considered as waste, creating circular economic benefits.

The key driver for this chapter is the key principle of climate action and environmental sustainability generally. The RSES has identified a number of key Regional Strategic Outcomes which include sustainable management of water and other resources, supporting the transition to a low carbon economy by 2050 and building climate resilience, amongst others.

Figure from page 219

Infrastructure