This chapter sets out the Settlement Strategy for County Wicklow. The Settlement Strategy is in accordance with the Development Plan Strategy and Core Strategy, as outlined in Chapters 2 and 3. It outlines the strategy for the future development of settlements and the rural area. In particular it sets out the role and function of each level within the Settlement Hierarchy and includes information on the growth targets and occupancy controls within each level. A visual representation of the settlement hierarchy is shown on Maps 04.01, 04.02 and 04.03.

This settlement strategy is an essential component for the delivery of the overall development plan strategy, which is guided by three strategic principles, Healthy Placemaking, Climate Action and Economic Opportunity, and for the realisation of the ten strategic county outcomes.