The functional urban region of Dublin : the evolution of the new functional urban region of Dublin and its influence on future regional planning and development

This paper investigates the land transformation process and growth pattern emerging in the functional Greater Dublin Area (GDA). The process is considered in the light of the growth pattern of the GDA, which is analysed based upon economic and social statistical evidence. The emergence of discontinuous patterns of development and rapidly expanding functional urban areas has been observed in many developing city regions. Two contrasting trends have emerged with an urban regeneration driven return of development to the central areas of economically strong cities and a concurrent significant dispersal of housing and employment activities development in a sprawl type manner. It is recognised that such patterns have significant implications for the long-term urban development of regions such as Dublin. This paper will include empirical evidence on development patterns emerging, which it is expected will assist in evaluating the effectiveness of policy measures. In particular the methodology of the paper was designed to include a focus on the critical issues which emerged over the period from 1994 to 2002 and their continuing impact on the regions urban development pattern to 2006.This period reflected the regions transition from an underperforming area in terms of economic development to rapid and sustained economic development. Local policy measures and responses are analysed as both a response to and shaping force in such urbanisation. The paper argues that the absence of an effective strategic decision-making process at the functional regional level negates national development policy aspirations. A methodology is proposed to develop a regional understanding of current and proposed patterns of development and their influence on urban form. The paper will include a contrast between stated policy aims, analysis of development data and conclusions on likely future trends. The conclusions will explore the likely future development trends in the functional urban region and their implications for policy making and development.