The team is led by Bilfinger GVA and includes SYSTRA, MHL, Jack Sheehan & Associates and Minogue & Associates. It will support the local authorities in making a submission to the appropriate bodies with regard to the development of the NPF.
The study will identify infrastructure opportunities where cost effectiveness investment can be maximised (including Cork’s existing infrastructure assets). The consultants will also examine the capacity of key social, economic, environmental, cultural and institutional assets.
As previously reported, strategic outputs of the report will include identification of spatial opportunities and key physical infrastructure required (including a transport network and water services) to support population and employment growth identified up to 2050.
The NPF will act as the strategic planning context for relevant government policies and investment in housing, water services, transport, communications, energy, health and education infrastructure and is to be completed by Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government Simon Coveney in the first half of next year in parallel to the Capital Review.
Andrew Hind, senior planner in the newly created Housing & Infrastructure Delivery Team at Cork County Council, told delegates at the Financing Irish Infrastructure conference last month that the role of private finance and alternative funding solutions are being considered to address the significant infrastructure deficit in the Cork Metropolitan Area. Hind’s presentation is available to download below.
Meanwhile, the National Transport Authority (NTA) is seeking a firm to develop a transport strategy for the Cork Metropolitan Area.