People across the Southern Region are being invited to help shape the future of their place, community and region as the Southern Regional Assembly begins the review of the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy (RSES).
The RSES sets the long‑term plan for how the Southern Region will grow and develop. It guides decisions on housing, transport, services, jobs, climate action and investment. It also supports the implementation of City and County Development Plans for Carlow, Clare, Cork City and County, Kerry, Kilkenny, Limerick, Tipperary, Waterford and Wexford. The RSES will include updated Metropolitan Area Strategic Plans (MASPs) for Cork, Limerick-Shannon, and Waterford.
This review is an early opportunity for people to share their ideas on the big issues that will shape the region for the next decade and beyond. Your views can help influence the themes and priorities that matter most for where you live.
What we want your views on:
- How we plan for the homes, services and amenities people need
- How we support vibrant, welcoming and well‑connected communities
- What climate and environmental actions should be prioritised
- How we build energy independence for the region
- How transport systems can be made more accessible and sustainable
- How we support a strong, competitive and fair regional economy
- How we grow skills, innovation and learning opportunities for people
Issues Papers now available
The Draft RSES will be prepared for public comment before the end of 2026. Prior to that we want to hear your views on the long-term issues that should be addressed in the RSES.
Four short Issues Papers have been prepared to help people think about questions being asked in the review:
- The Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy for the Southern Region 2027–2040 Issues Paper
- Cork Metropolitan Area Strategic Plan Issues Paper (C-MASP)
- Waterford Metropolitan Area Strategic Plan Issues Paper (W-MASP)
- Limerick – Shannon Metropolitan Area Strategic Plan Issues Paper (LS-MASP)
These are available at the following locations:
- Assembly website: https://southernassembly.ie/rses-review/
- Assembly Office: Assembly House, O’Connell Street, Waterford X91F8PC (weekday office hours)
- Planning counters in all 10 local authorities in the Southern Regional Assembly (check opening hours locally)
How to make a submission
You can share your views between 26 March 2026 and 5pm on 22May 2026 through:
- Online: consult.southernassembly.ie
- Email: rses@southernassembly.ie
- Post: RSES Submissions, Southern Regional Assembly, Assembly House, O’Connell Street, Waterford X91F8PC
Why your input matters
Every voice can play a part in shaping the future of the Southern Region. Early input is valuable, it helps set the direction before detailed proposals are developed. Further stages of consultation on detailed proposals will follow later in the process.
Public events will take place across the region in April and May. Details will be published on the Assembly website and consultation portal.