Chapter 6: Economic Development Strategy

6.1 Introduction 

The economic wellbeing of the county underpins its general wellbeing by enabling people to be employed in a job of their choice, in a location of their choosing and provide an income which is acceptable to them. 

This chapter sets out the Council’s broad Economic Development Strategy and provides details on how this will be supported by the Council’s functions and activities and the planning process. The Plan seeks to promote the county as a nationally and internationally attractive and distinctive location in which to conduct business due to its significant strategic location and other significant environmental attributes and factors.  Continued economic development and job creation with enhanced regional accessibility will be supported by the work of the Planning and Economic Development Directorate and Local Enterprise Office (LEO) and guided by this Plan. The Strategy has been devised having regard to the policy documents set out in Section 6.4 and baseline conditions which exist in the county as set out in Section 6.5.

In recent years Ireland’s economy has been performing strongly. Living standards had been continually rising and employment had reached the highest levels in years. However, in light of the on-going circumstances that surround the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on the economy, vulnerabilities may become evident in the domestic economy such as declining productivity levels in SMEs, skills deficits and labour availability, as well as concentrations in some sectors. Furthermore international trade, Brexit, growing trade protectionism and other geopolitical risks provide further complexities. Technological advances and the transition to the low carbon economy too present challenges but also numerous opportunities as our businesses and workers adapt in a changed economy.

6.2 The Role of the Council in Economic Development

The ‘Action Programme for Effective Local Government – Putting People First’ and the Local Government Reform Act, 2014 together set the platform for a stronger role for local government in economic development.  This role includes the preparation of a six year evidence based Local Economic and Community Plan (LECP), the promotion and support of economic development through general local authority powers and functions, the operation of the Local Enterprise Office (LEO), the appointment of Economic Development Officers, the requirement that local authorities engage with the Government’s ‘Action Plan for Jobs’ and the pursuit of economic development action in line with regional priorities. 

The Council has been proactive in setting up an LEO, an Economic Development Unit (EDU) and a Special Projects Office (SPO). The LEO offers support to start ups and small businesses including training programmes, advice and information and selective financial assistance while the EDU supports new and existing Irish and international businesses throughout the county. The SPO has responsibility for delivering property solutions to address identified needs.  The Council has also aligned its planning services, financial functions and infrastructure provision to ensure that the Local Authority as a whole operates in a manner which facilitates sustainable economic development.  

6. 3 Climate Action and Economic Development

The Council, will inter alia,

• Support businesses and activities to transition to a low carbon economy, finding ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in their work practices such as Work Travel Plans and improving energy efficiencies in their operations, and to support them to become climate resilient.
• Support the development of the green economy including appropriate renewable energy and bioenergy economic developments that will assist in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and assist with the transition to a low carbon economy.
• Support the agriculture sector to transition to economically and environmentally viable farming methods that reduce greenhouse gas emission, are beneficial for local biodiversity and rural communities whilst still delivering high quality food and providing a high standard of animal welfare. 
• Continue to create job opportunities within our county to counter act unsustainable commuting out of the county for work, to focus on developing jobs in the our four mains, reducing the distance that people have to travel from to work and to develop more sustainable mode of travel to from. 
• Ensure economic activity is directed away from areas vulnerable to coastal erosion and/flood risk. 

6.4 Policy Context

Economic and enterprise policy transects many Government departments, regional bodies and local agencies, resulting in a wealth of policy documents, plans and guidelines. This policy context focuses on economic development policy from a spatial planning perspective. 

National Planning Framework

All of the NSOs relate either directly or indirectly to economic development and creating the conditions to support growth in the economy and employment while protecting our urban and rural areas, our environment and the natural and built assets. 

NSO 6 aims to develop a strong economy, supported by enterprise, innovation and skills. This is dependent on creating places that can foster enterprise and innovation and attract investment and talent. It can be achieved by building regional economic drivers and by opportunities to diversify and strengthen the rural economy, to leverage the potential of places. This outcome will require the co-ordination of growth and place making with investment in world class infrastructure, including digital connectivity, and in skills and talent to support economic competitiveness and enterprise. NSO 3 recognises that rural areas play a key role in driving our economy and they must be a part of our country’s strategic development to 2040. 

NSO 2 and NSO 4 are focused on achieving enhanced regional accessibility (transport) and high quality international connectivity (digital), opening up opportunities to attract investment and growth. The remaining NSOs include a focus on creating the conditions to make places more attractive to live and work in and to ensure that supporting social infrastructures, such as childcare and education, are in place to attract workers, enable people to work and provide an educated workforce. 

‘Realising our Rural Potential: The Action Plan for Rural Development’ (Department of Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs 2017) 

This is the Government’s rural development policy document and it aims to unlock the potential of rural Ireland through a framework of supports at national and local level, which will ensure that people who live in rural areas have increased opportunities for employment locally, and access to public services and social networks that support a high quality of life. The Plan is focused around 5 key pillars, all of which will directly or indirectly improve the rural economy: supporting sustainable communities, supporting enterprise and employment, maximising rural tourism and recreation potential, fostering culture and creativity in rural communities; and improving rural infrastructure and connectivity.

Future Jobs Ireland 2019; Preparing Now for Tomorrow’s Economy (Government of Ireland) 

The focus of this policy document is to create highly productive, sustainable jobs and focuses on 5 key pillars in the areas of innovation and technological change, improving SME productivity, enhancing skills and developing and attracting talent, increasing participation in the labour force and transitioning to a low carbon economy. There 26 ambitions under these pillars that will enhance the resilience of our economy and ensure we are well placed to exploit future economic opportunities. 

Enterprise 2025 Renewal sets out a portfolio approach to sector development, recognising that sectors contribute in different ways to the economy, delivering added value, export growth and quality of employment as illustrated in Figure 4.2 of the RSES.

Other key national economic policy documents and initiatives which have informed this plan include:

• The development of the agri-food section (Food Wise 2025)
• The delivery of high speed broadband (National Broadband Plan)
• Developing the marine economy (Harnessing our Ocean Wealth and the National Marine Planning Framework.
• Realising the opportunities of the Bio economy and Circular economy (DBEI, 2019)
• Forestry (Growing for the Future and Business Area Unit Strategic Plans); 
• Energy (White Paper-Ireland’s Transition to a Low Carbon Energy Future 2015-30);
• Tourism (Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland’s Ancient East and Ireland’s Hidden Heartland’s initiatives)
• IDA Ireland’s regional enterprise development (Winning: Foreign Direct Investment 2015-19), Enterprise Ireland (Regional Enterprise Development Fund) and the Regional Enterprise Plan for the South-East to 2020 (see below).

The Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy for the Southern Region (RSES)

Element 5 of the Strategy is focused on building a competitive, innovative and productive economy. The economic vision for the region is to enable sustainable, competitive, inclusive and resilient growth. The economic principles to achieve this vision are highlighted in Figure 6-1.

Figure 6-1 Regional Economic Principles

Section 4.4 of the Strategy focuses on the development of key regional economic engines (Figure 6-2) identified as the MASPs, the Atlantic Economic Corridor and Eastern Economic Corridor followed by Key Towns, towns and villages.  RPO 42 supports development of the Eastern Economic corridor as a strategic economic driver in the region, extending economic and transport links from the Dublin-Belfast Corridor, to the South-east extending to Rosslare Europort.

Figure 6-3 Regional Economic Drivers

Source: Regional Spatial & Economic Strategy for the Southern Region 2020

Keys town are also highlighted as regional economic drivers, with a need to develop centre of scales in these towns to perform this role, and to attract further economic development and investment. Large towns perform sub-regional economic roles, and the RSES support the strengthening of their service and employment functions. 

The RSES contains a range of supporting objectives to guide economic development including:  Locations for economic development (RPO 62), developing the region’s tourism potential (RPO 53), developing the low carbon economy (RPO 56) developing skills and talent in the region through investments in education (RPO 63), supporting entrepreneurship (RPO 64 and 65) and growing the blue economy (RPO76-86). 

The RSES also focuses on the economic role of the rural economy, and while it remains dependent on traditional sectors of agriculture, forestry, construction and fishing, there is a need to focus on rural diversification, optimising the many opportunities offered by tourism, leisure and recreation and renewable energy production.

The Regional Enterprise Plan for the South East Region to 2020 is developed around 5 key strategic objectives focused on enhancing the existing environment for enterprise and activity, establish the South-East as a ‘learning region’ and a place for choice of talent and investment, develop a regional engagement strategy that is aligned with the RSES and highlights the critical infrastructural developments required to enhance the economic potential in the South East and develop the South-East as a region that is attractive to both domestic and international visitors with a sense of place and connected tourist amenities

At the local level, the County Wexford LECP identifies three high level goals which underpin the Economic Development Strategy. These are: 

• HLG4 Develop and market County Wexford as an outstanding business environment for starting, growing and attracting business. 
• HLG5 Continue to protect and enhance our infrastructure and promote resource efficiency in order to create the right conditions for long-term sustainable economic growth.
• HLG6 Protect and sensitively utilise our natural, built and cultural heritage and together with the Arts, realise their economic potential. 

6.5 Economic Profile of County Wexford 

6.5.1 Socio Economic Baseline

Labour Force Participation and ‘At Work’

In Census 2016 the total labour force in the county was 69,237 people. Labour Force Participation (LFP) measures the percentage of all people aged 15 or over who are available for work, that is either at work or unemployed. The LFP rate for Wexford was 59.3% which was the 12th lowest rate in the State.  However, there are significant variations at sub-county level with highest LFP evident in Gorey at 63.5% and lowest rate in Campile at 49.4%.  

According to Census 2016, 83.4% of the total Labour Force was ‘At Work’.  This figure varies significantly across the county with the highest ‘At Work’ rate evident in Castlebridge (85.4%) and the lowest rate in Clonroche (59.1%).  While the county’s overall percentage was relatively low (5th lowest nationally) the total number of persons ‘At Work’ is the 14th highest in the State.

Labour Force Unemployment 

In Census 2016 the total population classed as unemployed (both unemployed and looking for their first job) was 11,478 people.  This has dropped from 16,170 people in Census 2011.  This represents an unemployment rate of 16.6% compared to the national employment rate of 12.9%. Wexford has the 5th highest rate of unemployment in the country¹ .

The spatial distribution of unemployment is varied with Kiltealy recording an unemployment rate of 7.5% compared with 28.3% in Bunclody, 38.1% in Taghmon and 40% in Clonroche. According to Census 2016 there are three unemployment blackspots²in the county.  These were Enniscorthy Urban (32.1%), Rosbercon Urban (30.8%) and Killincooly (27.2%).    

In April 2020, live register figures for County Wexford indicated that there were 8,855 people on the Live Register in 2020. However, in light of the current economic environment, it is likely that this number will be increase significantly. 

Industry of Employment

The most dominant sectors of employment of resident employees in the county are ‘Commerce and Trade’ (22.7%) and ‘Professional Services’ (22.2%), representing almost 50% of employment of total residents. Employment is characterised by a higher than average dependence on ‘traditional’ sectors such as Agriculture, Forestry, Building and Construction and Manufacturing, when compared to State averages. 

Figure 6-3 Industry of Employment

Occupations

Within any given sector there are a variety of employees performing different kinds of work and this section describes the kind of work performed, irrespective of the location of that work.  Of the nine Occupational groups detailed in Figure 6.4 Wexford records considerably higher-than-average rates for three occupational groups; ‘Skilled Trades Occupations’ (18.8%), ‘Process Plant and Machine Operatives’ (9.4%) and ‘Ele¬mentary Occupations’ (9.9%). These three groups account for almost 40% of the labour force in the county. Since 2011, the 'Caring, Leisure and Other Service Occupations' occupational group has witnessed the highest rate of increase at 16.8% (763). The 'Professional Occupations' group has also increased significantly by a total of 8.8% (687) since 2011.

Figure 6-4 Occupations

Pobal HP Deprivation Index
This Index is a method of measuring the relative affluence or disadvantage of a particular geographical area using data compiled from various censuses.  According to the Pobal HP Deprivation Index (Census 2016), Wexford was the 4th most disadvantaged local authority in the country, improving by one position from 3rd since 2011   

6.5.2 Existing Employment in Wexford  

Key Sectors and Employers

Wexford has established a broad based enterprise sector with a solid reputation in Information Communication Technology (ICT), International Financial Services, Life Sciences and food production. 

The ICT sector is responsible for 40% of national exports. Indigenous and multi-national technology firms are experiencing growth in terms of export figures and employment levels. Wexford has a vibrant tech start-up scene with companies such as Sonru, Innovate Technologies Ltd and Scurri all originating in the county. These companies have significantly expanded both nationally and internationally in recent years. Datapac, located in Enniscorthy Town, is Ireland’s largest indigenous ICT solutions and services provider. 

The International Financial Services sector is targeted as part of the South East Action for Jobs. Wexford Town is home to a number of global players in this field including BNY Mellon and Zurich Insurance. 

The Life Sciences sector has grown steadily in the county, forming part of the South-East life sciences cluster. Companies include ClearStream Technologies in Enniscorthy Town, Waters Technology and CRI in Wexford Town and Lake Region in New Ross Town.

Primary and secondary food production plays a key role in providing employment and contributing to the county’s economic output. The success of Irish Country Meats, Slaney Foods, Kavanagh Meats, Stable Diet, J. Donohoe Beverages and Killowen Farm demonstrates the continued and growing strength of the food sector. The ‘Wexford Food Family’ brand showcases the modern value-added, entrepreneurial nature of this industry in Wexford.

Direct employment in agriculture and the value of economic output from agriculture and related rural industries are also vital to the economic wellbeing of the county. The value of agriculture is illustrated in Figure 6-5. 

Figure 6-5 Value of Agriculture to the County 

 

Business Typologies

Businesses can be categorised by their scale (e.g. large, SME etc.) and origin (indigenous/FDI).  They are primarily promoted and supported by three agencies depending on these typologies. The IDA is responsible for attracting FDI.  Enterprise Ireland supports internationally competitive indigenous firms.  The Council supports all sectors and types through its general workings but specifically has a support and development role for the SME sector through the LEO and it supports all other sectors through EDU/Invest Wexford.

The South East accounts for 10.7% of the national population but has only 6.7% of IDA jobs³. Similarly, in terms of Enterprise Ireland funding, the South East secured only one of forty four new investments, accounting for just 2.15% of total investment in the most recent round of the Seed and Venture Capital funding (2013-2018)⁴. There are twelve IDA FDI companies located in the county. There are 7 in Wexford Town, 2 in New Ross Town, 2 in Enniscorthy Town and 1 in Gorey Town. 

Wexford is home to a number of successful indigenous businesses including Nolan Transport, Celtic Linen, Danone, Innovate, Sonru, Scurri, Eishtech, DoneDeal and Datapac.  Indigenous Wexford companies such as Wexford Creamery, Kent Group Ltd., Sofrimar Ltd. and Atlantis Seafoods have gained an international reputation for their products. 

There is a strong concentration of micro-enterprises (companies who employ ten or less people) in Wexford and a significantly lower level than the State rate are employed within large enterprises (>250). While this demonstrates a small dynamic and entrepreneurial base in the county, it also highlights the low level of large employers.

Figure 6-6  Large Employers in County Wexford

6.6 Economic Development Strategy 

This Strategy aims to increase opportunities for access to high quality, suitable employment for our residents and to improve fiscal conditions to allow investments in making Wexford an ever better place to live and work. This will be achieved through implementing the objectives of the NPF, Future Jobs Ireland 2019, the LECP, the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy and this Strategy.

The Strategy is based around five key elements: People, Profile, Property, Place and Pillars (Figure 6.6). It will be delivered by the LEO, the EDU, the LCDC, by managing development in accordance with this Plan and the general functions of the Council, together with various public bodies and employment agencies and the business community. The ‘People’ and ‘Profile’ elements will mainly fall within the remit of the LEO, EDU and the LCDC/LECP and will primarily sit outside the realm of this Plan. 

Figure 6-7 Economic Development Strategy  

Strategic Economic Development Objectives

It is the objective of the Council:

6.6.1 People

The availability of an educated and highly skilled labour force is critical for a county’s economic success and the development of high quality education infrastructure is a key enabling component. The Plan must therefore ensure that the differing land and property needs of the various types of education and education providers are available at the right locations. This includes conventional third and fourth level education, mentoring programmes and on-the job training, apprenticeships –both in traditional skills and in non-traditional areas such as finance, sales, ICT and back to work and other community schemes.  

It is also vital that the Council facilitates developments which will help foster close linkages between education providers and employers. Future LAPs will ensure that education and economic development are located where such benefits can be maximised.  

While we are fortunate to have a strong local Campus of Carlow IT in Wexford Town, the absence of a University in the South-East is a regional weakness. In Census 2016, County Wexford placed 3rd lowest in the State and lowest in the South East in terms of the numbers obtaining a third level education. The absence of a University in a region can also inhibit employers looking for a continual supply of graduates.

The UN has recently identified Wexford as one of three locations worldwide along with New York City and Vancouver to establish of Centres of Excellence in the global challenge to curb carbon emissions. This Centre of Excellence is in Enniscorthy Town.  This is a sector which can provide jobs for those involved in cutting edge research as well as traditional fields of employment such as construction related professionals and trades.  

Furthermore national policy requires that we develop the skills that our enterprise base requires and there is an obvious need to future proof employment, identifying those sectors that are vulnerable and those that provide opportunities for the future and take steps to make sure that our people are as well-equipped as possible to take up the jobs of the future.

People Objectives 

It is the objective of the Council:

6.6.2 Profile

The Council’s economic support structures such as the LEO, Invest Wexford, Visit Wexford and the Economic SPC ensure, through their developing plans and strategies, that the many attributes of the county are publicised and that raising the county’s ‘profile’ is prioritised. The Council works closely with IDA, Enterprise Ireland and Fáilte Ireland to increase investment for Wexford. 

The RSES highlights the importance of fostering entrepreneurship as it creates new businesses, jobs and wealth. Wexford has a strong tradition in entrepreneurship with some of our most successful businesses starting out as small ventures. We will continue to raise the profile of the county, and develop a business environment where like-minded people can collaborate, network and co-work with access to experienced mentors, which will stimulate entrepreneurship. 

Profile Objectives 

It is the objective of the Council:

6.6.3 Pillars

It is proposed to focus on a number of pillars or sectors in order that benefits will accrue from market forces such as agglomeration and specialisation.  In turn pursuing such a strategy will assist in creating clusters of high skilled individuals who are attracted together as firms agglomerate. The pillars, which are identified in Figure 6.7, were selected based on existing employers and existing sectoral strengths which have potential for expansion and which are well suited to our existing work force.  

Figure 6.8 Pillars for Growth

Pillars Objective

It is the objective of the Council:

6.6.4 Property 

‘Property’ is concerned with ensuring that there is adequate zoned serviced land and buildings at appropriate locations to facilitate economic development. It is also concerned with targeted interventions which the Council will make to provide solutions where these have not been embraced by the market or where difficulties such as complex land ownership patterns are inhibiting economic progress. It is also concerned with ensuring that policies are tailored to allow the provision of the variety of property types required by the different business typologies and identified ‘Pillars’. 

The Council is pursuing an evidence based approach to identify deficits in the provision of specific types of property required in the main towns, the opportunities based on the available workforce and, in particular, those commuting out of the county for work and the interventions required to maximise Wexford existing assets and natural advantages. 
The responding measures will be achieved by a variety of methods including the use of Council assets and land banks, direct purchase, build and lease, the development of serviced sites in business and technology parks and joint ventures with the private sector.

Research commissioned by the Council found that there is a shortfall in large-scale modern office accommodation and good quality industrial property. This has led the Council to identify a number of property solutions in the four main towns. Further details on the projects being pursued are contained in Section 6.7  

The preparation of future local area plans will ensure that sufficient lands are zoned to accommodate all types of economic development. There will also be a focus on the repurposing and adaptation of existing vacant and underutilised buildings to provide property solutions. 

Property Objectives

It is the objective of the Council:

6.6.5 Place   

Place is concerned with ensuring that economic development is located in the right locations and that the places we make are high quality and attractive to employers and the resident workforce and attract people with skill sets which are under-represented in the county.  

6.6.5.1 Locations for Economic Development

The primary location for new commercial development will be in the four main towns.  Commercial development in other small towns and villages shall be commensurate with their level in the Settlement Hierarchy. Our ports and harbours are critical assets and offer an opportunity for port-related and new development.  Rural areas are vital for sustainable economic development and require careful management to ensure that competing pressures do not compromise their development and their unique character. Section 6.7 outlines the objectives in relation to economic development in each of these areas.  

6.6.5.2 Place Making

The attractiveness of an area and a sense of place are important elements in realising economic development potential and attracting new investment and employees. The Council will actively pursue place making activities and local improvement measures such as support for Tidy Town efforts, public realm improvements, protection and enhancement of historical features and buildings, regeneration of urban areas and other measures to enhance the local environment. 

The quality of new development and refurbishment / extension of existing structures is also fundamental in creating attractive places. The Council will, through the objectives and development management standards set out in this Plan, promote and facilitate high quality residential developments with supporting social and community facilities, ensure that the town centres are vibrant and provide for a mix of uses and a range of retail and retail services, identify measures to improve the public realm and increase the range and quality of recreational, amenity and cultural facilities in each of the towns and villages. This is further discussed in Chapter 5 Towns and Villages. 

Place Objectives

It is the objective of the Council:

6.7 Specific Locations for Economic Development 

6.7.1 Eastern Economic Corridor

The Eastern Economic Corridor is a critical element of the spatial components of the economic strategy of the County. It designation in the RSES of both the Southern and Eastern and Midlands Regional Assembly places Wexford in a pivotal position in extending the Belfast-Dublin Corridor and in linking the Southern Region with the Eastern and Midlands. The Council will pursue a strategy of strengthening and consolidating economic development and transport infrastructure and services on this corridor. 

6.7.2 Key Towns and Large Towns

The primary location for commercial development will be Wexford Town, Enniscorthy Town, New Ross Town and Gorey Town. 

The RSES identified Wexford Town and Gorey Town as Key Towns. Key Towns have an economic function that provides employment for their surrounding areas and wider sub regional catchment. Enniscorthy Town and New Ross Towns are Large Towns and play an important part of the region’s economic fabric. 

This approach aims to ensure the required that the Key Town achieve the ‘Centres of Scale’ to fulfil their roles, that the density of employment is achieved, to encourage firms to agglomerate, to maximise the efficiency of existing infrastructure and to mitigate against unsustainable travel patterns.  The RSES also identifies the Trinity Wharf lands as a Strategic Employment location for the town and county. 

The LAPs for each town will ensure that adequate land in appropriate locations is zoned for economic development. The varying types of economic uses have different requirements in terms of land type, location, accessibility and availability of a skilled workforce. The location of new enterprises will largely depend on whether they are people intensive (customer intensive or employee intensive) or land intensive.  These factors are critical in deciding the location of the facility, for example, customer intensive facilities should generally be located in the most accessible central locations. 

The Council has been pursuing a progressive strategy to stimulate economic development in each of the four towns.  This strategy is based on utilising specific attributes of each settlement including its existing commercial base, existing assets and workforce characteristics.  

Key Towns and Large Town Objectives 

It is the objective of the Council:

Wexford Town

It is the objective of the Council to:

Gorey Town

It is the objective of the Council to:

Enniscorthy Town

It is the objective of the Council to:

New Ross Town

It is the objective of the Council to: 

6.7.3 Service Settlements and Villages

Rural towns and villages are the local drivers for their surrounding areas. Their roles and scale vary across the region from large commuter-based settlements to towns with a strong service and employment function. The RSES emphasised the importance of networks between towns and villages including cross-boundary connections. 
These settlements are a focus of local services and can play an important role in the provision of local employment opportunities. Such employment can offer an alternative to persons commuting to large towns. The provision of other commercial or industrial employment generating uses in these settlements also has an invigorating effect on these settlements by providing day time trade and activity.  These towns and villages can play an important role for their rural hinterland with local professional services, childcare, post office, retail and, in some cases, banks and other lending institutions.  Such development, which both provides local opportunities and at the same time provides services which are required by the rural community, will be encouraged. 

The local authorities’ digital strategies are critical in promoting and guiding on the new economic opportunities arising from digital connectivity and indigenous innovation and enterprise. This should complement the more traditional natural and resource assets (for e.g. food, energy, tourism) underpinned by the quality of the offering.

Service Settlements and Villages Objectives

It is the objective of the Council:

6.7.4 The Blue Economy 

The planning of the country’s marine area is currently undergoing an ambitious programme of reform, with an impending new regime for the management of development and activities in Ireland’s Marine Area (See Section 12.3).

The National Marine Planning Framework (NMPF) promotes the sustainable development of a thriving marine economy and the development of vibrant, accessible and sustainable rural coastal and island communities while realising the potential of marine resources in a fair, balanced and transparent manner. The Framework focuses of the development of key marine assets including aquaculture and fisheries, energy, marine aggregates and mining, ports, harbours and shipping and tourism. 

The RSES recognises that as an island we are dependent on ours seas for trade, fishing, energy and tourism, and it supports the development of the marine resources and the Blue economy, while conserving biodiversity and ecosystem health. 
The sea has, and will continue to be, a very economic important asset for our county. It provides employment to many people in coastal areas making a valuable economic contribution to local communities in the county.  Dominant marine economic activities in County Wexford include ports, harbours and shopping, seafood and fisheries and tourism.  

The Wexford coastline is 275km long and presents significant opportunity in terms of marine related development, continuing in the traditional sectors while exploring opportunities offered by off-shore energy production and marine biotechnology.  

The opportunities offered by energy production are discussed further in Chapter 12 Coastal Zone Management and Marine Spatial Planning and Volume 10 Renewable Energy. The tourism opportunities are discussed in both Chapter 7 Tourism and Chapter 12. 

Ports, Harbours and Shipping

Rosslare Europort is a major port in the south-east of Ireland, located on the N25 and connecting with the N11 outside Wexford Town. The port, the State’s second largest in terms of passengers, is a hub for all the major RORO passenger and freight services and provides a gateway from Britain and continental Europe. The Port is operated by Iarnród Éireann (Irish Rail). 

Two separate railway lines run from the harbour - north to Dublin and west to Waterford. The Waterford railway was closed in September 2010 but the line is being retained to enable services to resume when circumstances demand. These lines offer a significant opportunity to move to lift on lift off rail freight - a measure which could pay significant dividends in the reduction of Green House Gas production associated with transport.

The RSES identifies Rosslare Europort as a Strategic Economic Location, and advocates for its elevation to Tier 1 Ports Status. The port is now located on the Eastern Economic Corridor which provides significant economic development opportunities to expand the port’s function and to support the development of other towns in the county along the Corridor. 

The Europort provides opportunities for development at the harbour itself and also export related development throughout the county and South East. It has become apparent that Dublin Port’s development is physically limited by the city and bay but these constraints do not exist in Wexford. The port has potential to relieve pressure on Dublin and provide a viable alternative. Existing development in the area includes motor and transport related industries, as well as tourism related services and facilities. Specific objectives relating to economic development of Rosslare Europort and port-related developments in discussed in Volume 4 Settlements Plan which includes land use zoning for Rosslare Harbour. 

New Ross Port is Ireland’s only inland port located approximately 32km from the sea on the River Barrow. The port specialises in handling dry and liquid bulk. The Council recognises the considerable potential that exists to develop existing commercial ports in terms of value-added shore based economic activity. This would contribute substantially to the economic development of the region.

Aquaculture and Fisheries

The Council aims to maximise the long term contribution of the sea-fishing sector and inland fisheries to the county’s economy and to the maintenance of the social fabric of rural and coastal communities. Aquaculture activity is carried out in Wexford Harbour and Bannow Bay. Most aquaculture activity in Bannow Bay involves intertidal oyster cultivation, in addition to some mussel cultivation. 

Growth opportunity in the seafood sector lies in developing greater processing scale so as to capitalise on the supply of raw material. The sector has significant potential for sustainable growth in terms of value added product in areas of food ingredients, health and sport nutrition markets. 

The marine sector presents many opportunities for new development which can be located in rural villages and towns. Kilmore Quay has established itself as a successful maritime village and is home to Sofrimar, Atlantis and Errigal Bay, successful indigenous seafood companies.

Marine Aggregates and Mining

Marine aggregate are sedimentary sand or gravel materials located on the seabed. Extraction of marine aggregates typically involves dredging of the deposit to remove it from the seabed. Sands and gravels sourced from the seabed may be used in the construction of infrastructure such as buildings, roads and bridges. In line with the NMPF, the Council will ensure that mineral exploitation is required to be carried out to the highest environmental standards.

Blue Economy Objectives

It is the objective of the Council:

6.7.5 The Green Economy

The green economy encapsulates a wide range of economic activity from increasing renewable energy delivery to more energy efficient buildings to driving the bio-economy. Globally, it is a sector in transition with strong drivers for growth such as climate change targets, rising energy costs and more stringent environmental regulations and standards. 
The transition to a low carbon economy offers many opportunities to development economic activity in this area, such as the development of green technologies, sustainable construction, and renewable energy developments, and the county has a number of enterprise strengths to ensure that it is well-place to capture jobs opportunities in this area.   

County Wexford is becoming a leader in the area of sustainable construction, facilitated by the NZEB training centre in Enniscorthy Town. There are opportunities to expand this sector to provide quality jobs and to develop synergies with third level institutions and research partners, providing quality jobs.   

The strong agri-food industry in the county also offers opportunities to develop in partnerships with research centres such as the EPA and Teagasc in Johnstown Castle. 

Renewable energy opportunities are explored in the Renewable Energy Strategy in Volume 10. 

6.7.6 Rural Economy 

The Government’s Charter for Rural Ireland (2016) states that frameworks will be put in place “To support enterprise creation and development, maintain and restore the rural cultural heritage, support and protect existing towns and settlements, facilitate safe and secure rural communities and foster an increased quality of life for all rural dwellers”.

Rural areas are facing challenges which vary from place to place but include urban generated pressures, declining and ageing population, difficulties in accessing sustainable employment opportunities, access to infrastructure and demands from new land uses including renewable energy. Realising our Rural Potential: The Action Plan for Rural Development 2017 (Department of Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs) recognises that the changing nature of rural areas means that rural economic development is not amenable to single sector strategies but requires new integrated approaches to economic development. 

Rural economic development incorporates a broad range of sectors and land uses including agriculture, forestry, energy production, extractive industry and maritime activities.  There are also areas of economic activity which are dependent on rural resources but which are not necessarily best located in our rural areas – such as industrial scale agrifood.  Wexford, known as the ‘Model County’ based on its model agricultural practices, has the potential to become a leader in agricultural and rural related development.

In general, economic and commercial development should be located in the existing towns and villages where they will benefit from services and the development of synergies.  This section deals with appropriate development in rural areas, primarily being related to agriculture and other rural related resources/sectors.  Further exceptions are outlined in Chapter 7Tourism, Chapter 12 Coastal Zone Management and Marine Spatial Planning and Chapter14 Recreation and Open Space Volume 8 County Retail Strategy. 

Rural Development Objectives

It is the objective of the Council:

6.7.5.1 Agriculture Development

Agriculture includes horticulture, fruit growing, seed growing, dairy farming, the breeding and keeping of livestock (including any creature kept for the production of food, wool, skins or fur, or for the purpose of its use in the farming of land), the training of horses and the rearing of bloodstock, the use of the land as grazing land, meadow land, osier land, market gardens and nursery grounds. Agricultural is hugely important to the County’s economy (see Figure 6.5).  

Agricultural practices are continually changing and modernising. The increasing scale of farming, together with increasing use of chemicals, and new methods of production mean that there is pressure on the environment, in particular through soil contamination, ground and surface water pollution⁶ and impacts on natural and built heritage. Agricultural methods also have the potential to both add to and mitigate climate change. The Council will facilitate and encourage best practice in terms of new agricultural development. 

The traditional form of agricultural buildings, farm layouts and field pattern are a valuable part of the character of our rural areas and are worthy of protection.  New farm buildings are generally large in size and can have the appearance of industrial buildings and as a result there is potential for negative visual impacts. While the Council acknowledges that new farm buildings must be functional and efficient, they will also be required to be sympathetic to their surroundings and should be sited and designed to assimilate with the rural landscape. 

Agriculture Development Objectives

It is the objective of the Council;

6.7.5.2 Rural Diversification including Agri-food

The diversification of the rural economy can both supplement existing rural incomes and add to the richness of the rural area. The Planning Authority recognises that a balance needs to be maintained between facilitating appropriate forms of rural development and protecting the rural environment. Farm based enterprise including agri-tourism proposals, open farms/pet farms, equestrian activities will be facilitated subject to environmental and development management standards. Agri-tourism proposals are dealt with under Chapter 7 Tourism.

Agri-food describes a wide variety of food production based on agricultural produce.  The appropriate location for the processing of the raw material will generally depend on the scale of the facility and the source of the raw material. Small scale agri-food businesses, such as cheese production, have huge potential to provide value added income on existing farms. At the larger end of the spectrum are the industrial scale agri-food producers, such as Glanbia, which source food from a large area and these facilities are considered similar to any industrial type development and should be located in towns and villages. The many opportunities for growth are highlighted in Foodwise 2025.

There will be a general presumption against shops in rural areas outside of towns and villages. Exceptions are detailed in the Retail Strategy and may include small scale shops attached to a permitted tourist or recreational development or retail outlets associated with other rural activities where the retail aspect is secondary to the operation - shops selling agricultural produce, crafts, farm enterprises that incorporate a tea room / craft shop. In all such cases, the retail element will only be acceptable provided they remain ancillary to, and fully incorporated within, the primary rural enterprise/farm practice. Retailing in rural areas is dealt with under the Retail Strategy in Volume 8.

Rural Diversification Objectives

It is the objective of the Council:

6.7.5.3 Horticulture

Horticulture includes the production of fruit and vegetables, in addition to amenity products such as Christmas trees, nursery stock and cut foliage. The importance of horticulture to Wexford’s rural economy is recognised and the potential for further growth and development of this sector will be facilitated in accordance with the proper planning and sustainable development of the County. 

Horticulture Objectives

It is the objective of the Council;

6.7.5.4 Forestry

Forestry plays an increasingly important role in terms of rural development as a form of farm diversification and as a source of rurally based employment. Food Wise 2025 acknowledges that the Irish sawmilling and board manufacturing sector is competitive internationally and further growth is anticipated. In addition to economic benefits, forests are natural resources that provide recreational and environmental opportunities. After wind energy, wood fuels are the largest contributor to renewable energy in Ireland. Sustainably managed forestry can also become an important tourism asset.

Forestry Objectives

It is the objective of the Council;

6.7.5.5 Aggregate Resources and Extractive Industry

Quarrying and the mineral extraction is a valuable resource to the county in terms of construction, employment and revenue. Wexford sand is much sought after for equestrian and sporting facilities.  However these considerations must be balanced against the significant impacts quarrying can have in terms of noise, dust, vibration, visual intrusion, on ground and surface waters, traffic generation and on the county’s natural and built heritage (including archaeological).

The Council will assess each planning application for quarrying activity on its  merits having regard to its site specific environmental capacity, landscape, natural and built heritage, residential and visual amenity and available infrastructure, such as an adequate road network. There should be an emphasis on extraction in locations which avoid impacts rather than locations where significant mitigation and restoration is required. 
The exploitation of these materials and minerals, together with the decommissioning and restoration of all sites, must be carefully managed in order to minimise the potential impact on the environment and amenities of the area. Where the proposal would directly, or indirectly, affect areas which are identified as being of European or national ecological and geological importance, that is,  SACs, cSACs, SPAs, NHAs, pNHAs and CGS, a strict precautionary approach will be taken. Extraction from beaches and river banks will generally not be permitted.

The Council’s considerations on quarrying matters will have regard to ‘Quarries and Ancillary Activities’ Section 28 Guidelines issued in 2004. The detailed matters which will be taken into account in the assessment of planning applications for extractive and processing developments are set out in Volume 2 Development Management. 

Aggregate Resources and Extractive Industry Objectives

It is the objective of the Council;

6.7.5.6 Commercial Development in Rural Areas

This section deals specifically with commercial development in the open countryside which is not related to agriculture, rural resources, rural diversification or tourism. In exceptional circumstances, it may be necessary to consider proposals for major industrial development on rural or un-zoned land where the specific characteristics of the industry such as noise, odour, resource requirements or unique energy requirements make it unsuitable for town or village or a location proximate to residential properties⁷ .

There are also limited circumstances where it may be necessary to consider proposals for economic development on lands not zoned for economic development based on their unique location requirements such as power supply or exceptional extensive land requirements which would not be an appropriate or efficient use of serviced zoned land. There are a number of brownfield sites in rural areas where the use has ceased. The re-use of brownfield sites is sustainable where it can utilise existing infrastructure.  However, it is not appropriate where a rural related use is replaced with a use that would be more appropriately located on serviced land such as businesses which are customer or employee intensive or where the new development is replacing an existing non-rural related use and the new use would result in an intensification of this use.

In both such cases, the Council will require an evidence based report justifying the proposed location and demonstrating why the proposal cannot be located on zoned land in town or village and that it will not be likely to have an unacceptable impact on the rural area in which it is located.  

Commercial Development in Rural Areas Objectives

It is the objective of the Council;

6.7.5.7 Equine Industry

There is a very rich history of breeding and racing horses in Wexford. There are a considerable number of people employed both directly and indirectly in the equine industry which is an important economic contributor in County Wexford. The Breeding and Racing industry supports a diverse workforce encompassing the core industry, directly related industries such as vets and farriers and secondary employment. 

There is a racecourse in Wexford Town and various point-to-point venues throughout the county. There are also many equestrian schools and facilities located throughout the county for related leisure and sporting activities.

6.7.5.8 Creative Industries

The Council will support the development of the creative media industry to capitalise on the economic, cultural and artistic potential of this sector in County Wexford.  This will include supporting the continued development of the county as a location for the film industry and will facilitating the creation of new film studios to maximise the benefits of the county’s location and the existing creative industry in the region.