ESPON: European Observation Network for Territorial Development and Cohesion:

Recent activities and forthcoming opportunities for researchers in Ireland

Cormac Walsh & Cian O’ Callaghan

Introducing ESPON

• European Observation Network for Territorial Cohesion and Development

• Supporting EU territorial cohesion policy – Territorial Agenda of the European Union

• Supporting a territorial approach to policy-making and national and sub-national levels

• Providing an evidence-base for spatial planning policy

ESPON Projects

• Priority 1: Applied Research – European scale analysis: demography, cities, climate change, rural development, globalisation…

• Priority 2: Targeted Analyses – case studies, following initial ‘expression of interest’ by public bodies

• Priority 3: Scientific Platform – Development of database of quantitative indicators

• Priority 4: Capitalisation and Dissemination – demonstrating relevance of ESPON projects in practice

Next Call for Proposals

• Opens Jan 24th , closes end March 2011

• Info Day and Partner Café Brussels, 7th February

• Applied Research Projects, Scientific Platform

• Targeted Analyses: Expressions of interest from Public Authorities

• All projects require partners from at least 3 countries

• Private consultants can be part of research teams

ESPON in Ireland

•ESPON Contact Point = NIRSA, NUI Maynooth

•DEHLG represented on high-level Monitoring Committee

•Website: www.espon-ireland.ie

ESPON in Ireland

Promote participation of Irish researchers, policymakers and practitioners in ESPON projects and networks

Promote engagement with the ESPON knowledge base and ESPON methodologies in Ireland

Ensure ESPON projects and reports accurately reflect experience in Ireland

Promote awareness of developments in European spatial planning and territorial cohesion policy among policymakers, practitioners and researchers in Ireland.

ESPON Ireland Activities to date

• Review of ESPON 2006 Programme outlining implications for Ireland (Bartley 2009)

• Summary Reports on selection of ESPON projects:

• Demography• Rural Development• Cities and Agglomeration Economies

• Pilot project with Mid-West Regional Authority: Application of ESPON results to Regional Planning Guidelines

DEMIFER: Demographic and Migratory FlowsAffecting European Cities and Regions

1. Demographic Trends in Europe

2. DEMIFER Scenarios

3. Typology of Demographic Status

4. Policy Implications for Ireland

Demographic Trends in Europe

1. Slowing of Population Growth in Europe (0.5% per yr since 2000); Ireland = 2% per year (‘02 –’09);

2. Aging of the Population - in over 70% of regions: > 15% aged over 65; Ireland: 11% over 65 in 2009;

3. Net Migration to Rural Areas – Increasing percentage of rural regions with positive net migration –counterurbanisation;

4. Differential Impact of Migration on Age Structure – potentially leading to increased regional disparities;

5. External Migration increasingly important

Typology of Demographic Status

Variables:

• % of the population aged 20-39 yrs;• % of the population aged 65 yrs and over;• rate of natural increase or decrease;• rate of net migration

Ireland: ‘Young Potentials’

Young age profile, high natural increase, high net in-migration, lower risk of population aging

Northern Ireland: ‘Family Potentials’

A Typology for Ireland

Same variables (1996 – 2006)

Standard: 14 counties, net migration slightly higher than state average

Urban Aging: low rate of population increase, out-migration, high % > 65 yrs

Rural Aging: highest % > 65 yrs, but net in-migration

Peri-urban Rapid Growth: Fingal, Meath, Kildare

Unique Profiles: South Dublin, Galway City

Policy Implications for Ireland

• Ireland is in a favourable position (even with recession);

• Importance of linked demographic and economic scenarios for spatial planning – avoid both ‘underplanning’ and ‘overdevelopment’;

• Significance of regional and county variations in age profile;

• Potential for RPGs and CDPs to include assessment of social and community infrastructure requirements based on demographic analysis;

• Need for increased recognition of regional scale dynamics of housing and labour markets

ESPON IrelandESPON Ireland

Contact: cormac.walsh@nuim.ieWeb: www.espon-ireland.ie