b'External Operating EnvironmentThe concentration of employment and The increasing cost of housing in Dublin isdevelopment in core centres close to sustainableresulting in population growth in the formerly less transport can facilitate major investment and is apopulated towns in our county where housing is central planning policy. relatively more affordable. It is imperative that the resulting pressure upon services from thisOur planning and economic policies need to population growth is responded to by theleverage investment and transport opportunitiesdelivery of community infrastructure in these that will enhance the quality of life of all our changing population centres. citizens and continue to make the county an attractive investment location. Our efforts overKeeping the County moving safely and sustainably the next five years must focus on delivering theis of growing importance and investment by the economic, social and environmental benefits ofCouncil and partner agencies to enhance access reducing the need to commute for work. Equallyto public transport options and cross connections, however, in the north eastern part of the as well as rural transport options, will be crucial to county (where almost 75% of the County realise economic, social and environmental goals. population live), there may remain inevitablyhigher levels of commuting, given proximity toPopulation trends and service responsesDublin. The Council will therefore work with County related analysis on the 2016 census,national agencies to seek to deliver public conducted in association with the All Irelandtransport and sustainable modes of transport.Research Observatory (AIRO) is available online. Proximity to Dublin also affects the cost of This data and its underlying trends inform ourhousing in the county and in turn the decisionsevidence-led strategic planning. Analysis ofpeople take about where to live. While there haspopulation trends suggests the county is likely to been a traditional divide between the more see further growth at both ends of the agedensely populated north eastern part of the spectrum. Growth has not yet been matched county and sparsely populated centre and south,by essential services and our efforts must focus this has started to change. on closing this gap and in the interim managing increasing pressure on existing infrastructure and services. 30'