Written Answers. - National Spatial Strategy.
Liz McManus
Question:
160
Ms McManus
asked the
Minister for the Environment and Local Government
the progress made to date in regard to preparations for the national spatial strategy; when it is expected that the strategy will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[24766/00]
Ivan Yates
Question:
304
Mr. Yates
asked the
Minister for the Environment and Local Government
when the national spatial plan will be published; and if he will expedite proposals in relation to the categorisation of new cities as part of the Spatial Plan in order that the current accelerated residential development can take into account such proposals.
[24977/00]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 160 and 304 together.
Substantial progress has been made on the mandate given by the Government to my Department to prepare a national spatial strategy which will translate the overall approach to regional development contained in the national development plan into a more detailed framework for spatial development in Ireland over the next 20 years.
On foot of that mandate, my Department established a spatial planning unit to manage the preparation of the strategy. An interdepartmental steering committee, with representation from all relevant Departments, established to oversee the development of the strategy at policy level, has met on a number of occasions. The interdepartmental committee is supported by a technical working group and sub-groups to facilitate a co-ordinated input to the preparation of the strategy from Departments, State agencies, regional assemblies and all other bodies whose policies, functions or operations are relevant to the achieving the objective of more balanced regional development. In addition, I have established an expert advisory group which provides a vehicle for my Department to avail of the advice of leading national and international figures in the area of spatial development and planning.
The national spatial strategy is being prepared in four stages. The first stage of the process was completed in May 2000 with the publication of a report entitled, The National Spatial Strategy – Scope and Delivery. This report sets out the background to the strategy, identifies its objectives and the challenges it faces to achieves those objectives, gives details of the work to be carried out during each stage of the process of preparing the strategy, sets out the organisational structures which have been put in place and the arrangements which have been made for the participation of relevant interests and the public generally in the process. A copy of this report has been circulated to all members of the House.
Stage two of the process of preparing the strategy, which will be completed shortly, required extensive research into the spatial structure and functioning of Ireland under a number of different headings. External consultants are assisting with a number of these research projects. This research includes in-depth analysis into such areas as population and labour force projections and future housing demand broken down on a regionalised basis, the future role of Dublin in Ireland and Europe, urban and rural functioning, enterprise development, quality of life issues, transport infrastructure, energy, educational access, environmental protection and availability of services.
The research and analysis phase of preparing the strategy will be followed by the preparation of policy option papers which will be the subject of a broad-based consultative process to conclude by April of next year. The final stage during the latter half of next year will see the drawing together and reconciliation of the emerging strands of policy and drafting of the strategy itself, including the proposals for the future functioning of urban areas of different sizes, with a view to publication of the strategy by the end of 2001. I am determined that this target date will be met but given the complexity of the issues under consideration and the need for extensive consultation, it is not realistic to aim for earlier completion.
