Athlone Dublin Sligo Cavan Dundalk Monaghan Larne Belfast
2. National Spatial Strategy (NSS) (2002–2020) The NSS was developed to help implement the aims of the NDP. The NSS is a 20-year strategy designed to enable
each place in Ireland to reach its social, economic and physical potential, regardless of size or location. The NSS has identified certain cities and towns in Ireland as gateways and hubs. These gateways and hubs are being developed to prevent Dublin becoming the primary focus of the Irish economy. In turn, this will allow people living in other regions the opportunity to work and live in their local area. Rural areas around the gateway and hub centres will also develop. The aim is that by spreading work opportunities
Strategic Spatial Roles
Revitalising Strengthening Reinforcing
Consolidating Co-operating
Gateways
Hubs Linked gateway/hub L Major interregional role in Northern Ireland
arne
Area covered by the Northern Ireland Regional Development Strategy
Fig. 23 Cities and towns identified as gateways and hubs
throughout the country to identified gateway cities and hub towns, Dublin’s growth can be controlled and people living outside the GDA can avail of the same services as those living within it. The NSS provides guidelines on where industrial,
rural and residential development takes place. It is also involved in deciding policies in relation to tourism, services and heritage issues.
Fig. 24 Cork city has been identified as a gateway city by the NSS.