Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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236. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government the position regarding the proposed review of the national spatial strategy; if there will be a public consultation before any such review is completed; the time table proposed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34992/14]

Alan Kelly (Tipperary North, Labour)
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The 2002 National Spatial Strategy(NSS) was Ireland's first national strategic spatial planning framework. It aimed to provide the spatial vision and principles to achieve a better balance of social, economic and physical development and population growth between regions through the co-ordinated development of nine gateway cities and towns, and nine hub towns, together with complementary policies to activate the potential for lasting economic development in their hinterlands and wider regions. While the existing NSS remains in place and having regard to the significantly changed economic circumstances that the country now faces, I intend to shortly bring proposals to Government on plans to develop a new national planning framework that will require consultation with a wide range of stakeholders, including public consultation. The new national planning framework is expected to be finalised by the end of 2015.