10 Minute Town Concept
About this good practice
Following learnings from the Interreg Europe MATCH-UP project, the Southern Regional Assembly focused its policy improvement on the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy for the Southern Region—particularly Regional Policy Objective 176 on the 10-Minute Town Concept.
The 10-Minute Town Concept ensures essential services are within a 10-minute walk, cycle or public transport transport journey from peoples homes. Inspired by European best practices—such as transport connectivity assessments in Germany and pedestrian safety innovations in Portugal—a framework and methodology were developed to help Local Authorities implement the concept.
The consultancy firm ARUP refined this approach through pilot assessments in three key towns—Carlow, Tralee, and Ennis. The framework supports Local Authorities in mapping their towns and embedding the 10-Minute Town approach into Local Development Plans, prioritising walking, cycling, and public transport.
Since the project’s end, an additional seven towns and six Local Authorities incorporated the 10-Minute Framework and Methodology into their Local Development Plans. National funding was mobilised for the implementation of this new concept in the region. The framework also contributed to Ireland’s National Sustainable Mobility Policy (2022-2030) and aligns with the Town Centre First strategy, making it an overarching policy and strategic focus for the regeneration of towns and villages.
Resources needed
The 10-Minute Town Framework needs GIS tools, accurate data, and collaboration with Local Authorities. Key priorities include infrastructure investment, policy integration, public awareness, and monitoring. Financial and technical support are vital to creating connected, sustainable communities.
Evidence of success
The 10 Minute Town Concept was included in Ireland’s National Sustainable Mobility Policy and aligns with the Town Centre First Policy. It has enabled national funding for infrastructure improvements required to create 10 Minute Towns for Local Authorities across Ireland. In December 2024, Interreg Europe recognised it as one of 21 success stories from 258 projects and 2,230 partners, showcasing its impact on policy changes across Europe.
Potential for learning or transfer
The 10 Minute Town Concept presents significant potential for learning and transfer. This good practice, developed as part of an Interreg Europe project, MATCH-UP, already demonstrates its value in fostering interregional collaboration and learning. By focusing on creating compact, accessible, and sustainable urban areas where essential services are within a 10-minute walk or cycle, the concept aligns closely with PROXIMITIES' goals of promoting liveable spaces and sustainable connections in peripheral urban territories.
Other regions can adopt and adapt this framework and methodology to improve their local development plans, reduce car dependency, and enhance public transport integration, thus fostering more connected and resilient communities. The concept’s success in the Southern Region of Ireland can serve as a model for similar initiatives across Europe, offering practical insights into implementing proximity-based urban planning strategies.
Further information
INTERREG Europe project MATCH UP - 10 Minute Town Concept
Images
Documents
ARUP_-_10_Minute_Towns_-_No_Appendices.pdf
Website
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