asked the Minister for Finance whether he agrees that there is a need for greater involvement of local authorities in drawing up and implementing regional policy; and the steps envisaged by him to foster local involvement.
Written Answers. - Regional Policy.
451.
The Local Government (Planning and Development) Act, 1963, empowers local authorities to develop or to secure the development of land and to take specific measures to facilitate industrial and commercial development. In addition to and arising from their statutory role in planning the physical infrastructure of their areas, and thus providing a necessary basis for local and regional development, local authorities are closely involved with development agencies such as the Industrial Development Authority which have a regional dimension to their activities.
The Deputy will be aware that the primary thrust of the Government's development policy is contained in the recently published plan Building on Reality, 1985-1987. Within the context of that plan it is the Government's intention that the development potential of all areas be maximised by the fullest co-operation between local and regional interests and official development agencies.
Development at any level requires, inter alia, the active involvement and support of all interests at that level. The Government, therefore, welcome such involvement and are pleased at all times to receive submissions from local and other interests.