IF the Cork County Development Plan 20102020 is adopted the population of Charleville is set to expand by a whopping 65% as the plan targets an increase of 1,024 housing units and an extra six hundred jobs for the town over the next ten years.

The plan identifies Charleville as a district employment centre and states that it has benefited from the expansion in its retail base through the opening of the CharlevilleTown Centre development which is anchored by Dunnes Stores.

The target population for the town by 2020 is 4,925, an increase of 1,941 persons or 65% while the associated growth in households is projected to be 1,024 equating the need for an additional 1,331 housing units by 2020.

The plan states that between 2006 and 2008, two hundred and ninety housing units were completed, leaving a balance of 1,041 housing units to be provided.

The capacity of the remaining residentially zoned lands in Charleville is estimated at 1,309 units so there is sufficient land available to meets requirements.

"As part of the review of the Local Area Plan the suitability of the zoning objectives on the residentially zoned land in Charleville can be reconsidered.

In some cases it may be appropriate to amend the density targets to ensure a sufficient and appropriate range of house types can be provided."

The plan states that Charleville is the main centre for employment within the Kanturk electoral area and accommodated 1,315 jobs in 2006. However only 38% of the town's residents work within the immediate local area, with 36% of these leaving the area for work and 19% of these, work outside the county.

The high level of commuting outside the county is a reflection of the proximity of Charleville to the Co. Limerick border and the proximity to Limerick City.

Growth in employment is essential to support the ambitious population target for Charleville and there is a need to secure more local employment opportunities to reduce the need for commuting to other areas for work, a trend that may otherwise increase once the M20 is completed. "By 2020 Charleville needs to have expanded its employment base by 600 jobs.

This does not include the employment requirements generated by inhabitants living in the rural and village hinterland."

The planned expansion for the town has been welcomed by Charleville Chamber who, in conjunction with Charleville Community Council and Town Traders, has made a submission on the plan. Mr. Gerard Cott, President of the Chamber said this was very positive news for the town and they would be working closely with the county council to ensure that the targets on both jobs and housing would be met over the coming years.

"Following the display of the proposed county development plan at the Charleville Park Hotel and the invitation of the planners to comment and make observations on the plan, we have, after consultation with the local community council and town traders, made a submission to them for their consideration," he said.

The plan will reach the draft stage by the end of the year and a report on the submissions received will be presented by February 2011, following which amendments will be made to the plan and the time line for the adoption of the plan is July 2011.