Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

785. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government the status of a new national spatial strategy; if he will consult the public and request submissions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6879/16]

Paudie Coffey (Waterford, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

In December 2015, Minister Kelly and I published a roadmap document entitled Towards a National Planning Framework - A Roadmap for the delivery of the National Planning Framework 2016. This followed Government approval to the commencement of the preparation of a new National Planning Framework (NPF) to act as a new long-term national planning and regional development framework as a successor to the 2002 National Spatial Strategy which was Ireland’s first national strategic spatial planning framework.

The publication of this important document (i) signals that the preparation of the NPF is commencing, (ii) provides information as to the approach and timetable proposed, (iii) outlines matters to be considered and (iv) indicates how persons and organisations can become involved in the process.

It is proposed that the new National Planning Framework will be a high-level nationally focused document, developed to ensure the optimal development of the country as a whole while maximising Ireland’s economic recovery and on-going growth at national, regional and local level, thus further contributing to sustainable national recovery through an inclusive and participative approach with all relevant national, regional and local interests. The National Planning Framework will actas the strategic context for:

1) planning in Ireland at national level, in relation to relevant Government policies and investment concerning national and regional development with particular emphasis on economic development andinvestment in housing, water services, transport, communications, energy, health and education infrastructure;

2) development, by the three newregional assemblies, of their new regional spatial and economic strategies, and

3) planning authorities and An Bord Pleanála discharging their statutory planning functions.

The roadmap document sets out general arrangements for the preparation of the NPF, which will follow on from the establishment of a dedicated work team in my Department and a high-level cross-departmental steering group, to oversee the process, supported by appropriate public consultation and stakeholder engagement arrangements in 2016.

The roadmap anticipates the publication of a draft framework towards the end of the third quarter of 2016 and its finalisation at the earliest available opportunity thereafter, taking account of all relevant inputs and statutory requirements.