Applying spatial economics to national spatial planning

Abstract

Despite the impressive development of the field of spatial economics, some have criticised the lack of policy applications. In addition, the literature has not yet identified the relevance of new economic geography, and spatial economics generally, for national spatial planning. This is surprising considering the interest in spatial planning policy in Europe. By combining old theories of trade and space with new economic geography, this paper applies spatial economics to national spatial planning and examines a case study of Ireland. The paper suggests that spatial economics provides a useful theoretical framework for the analysis of national spatial planning policy but suffers from deficiencies in respect of its consideration of social and environmental aspects of planning and development.