Mattie McGrath (Tipperary, Independent)
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264. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government if he will address concerns regarding aspects of the national framework plan that are creating uncertainty for local authority funding streams particularly in rural areas. [45540/17]

Eoghan Murphy (Dublin Bay South, Fine Gael)
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I am not aware of any aspects of the recently published final consultation draft of the National Planning Framework Ireland 2040 – Our Plan, that would have any adverse implications for the funding streams of local authorities, particularly in rural areas.

On the contrary, through alignment with the forthcoming 10-year Capital Investment Plan, I believe that the NPF will be of considerable benefit to local authorities, both urban and rural, in setting out a co-ordinated strategic development framework for the development of the country as a whole, and within which Government Departments and Agencies, the Regional Assemblies and local authorities, as well as wider private sector and community interests, will work together to ensure proper planning and sustainable development.

Moreover, the draft Framework includes practical planning, development and investment policies which will benefit rural Ireland by driving planned and community-led regeneration initiatives, aimed at re-purposing rural economies to benefit from new technology, driving economic activities and improved quality of life.

Submissions on the final consultation draft of the NPF are invited until Friday 3rd November, after which the Government intends to address such submissions and finalise the Framework along with the 10-year capital investment plan by year-end. I would encourage all interested parties to engage in this consultative process and share their views on any relevant issues.