Tony McLoughlin (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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208. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government if he is satisfied that the new national planning framework will facilitate the granting of planning permission to the rural population of the entire country, particularly counties Sligo and Leitrim, in keeping with good planning practices and recognising the need to ensure rural revival; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14966/17]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will be aware, the Government is determined that the National Planning Framework should address both rural and urban planning and development matters in an integrated and holistic manner.

Development of the Framework, one of the most strategically important public policy exercises currently underway by the Government, is a collaborative exercise and the success of the Framework will depend on all citizens having their opportunity to shape how Ireland should develop over the next twenty years or more, and how we can plan for and accommodate the substantial additional population expected by 2040 in a more strategic and sustainable way.

The Issues and Choices paper that forms part of the current consultation process recognises the importance of place-making across the country and poses clear questions regarding the potential of rural Ireland. It is now up to the general public, various public bodies and any other interested stakeholders to put forward their views, including in relation to rural development issues, to my Department to inform the next stage of the process in relation to the development of the Framework.

My Department has begun to analyse and assess relevant material submitted, along with preparing other technical analyses in developing the Framework.

The Action Plan for Rural Development published by my colleague, the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs earlier this year, also needs to be taken into account in developing the Framework, particularly as regards addressing the challenges facing the viability of rural communities including smaller towns and villages that have suffered decline in recent years.

The closing date for submissions to the Ireland 2040: Our Plan process is 31 March and it is my intention to bring a draft Framework to Government by the Summer, for consideration by the Oireachtas later this year.