Olivia Mitchell
Question:5 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government when he proposes to publish the national spatial strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6842/02]
Ceisteanna–Questions. Priority Questions. - National Spatial Strategy.
A public consultation paper on the national spatial strategy, Indications for the Way Ahead, was published last autumn to assist in refining the approach to the strategy and the detailed policies to be included in it. While the period of consultation associated with the paper was scheduled to end on 31 October, submissions continued to be received in my Department throughout November. A total of over 250 written submissions were received from a wide range of national, regional and local bodies, public representatives and individuals. Most of these were broadly supportive of the overall approach to achieving more balanced regional development set out in the consultation paper, but many detailed issues were raised and some reservations were expressed.
While completion of the NSS was originally envisaged for end 2001, the prolonged public consultation has caused some delay to this schedule. I am confident however that the strategy will benefit from this full consultation and enjoy a wider degree of consensus from the process.
Since the conclusion of the consultations, work has continued on the drafting of the strategy taking account of the many different points raised in the submissions. In completing the strategy my Department must address the spatial aspects of a wide range of economic, social and environmental policies. This has necessarily involved engagement also with other Departments, agencies and bodies primarily responsible for these policies. I intend to ensure that the strategy will be finalised and cleared with the Government as soon as possible.
I asked when the strategy will be published but the Minister did not provide an answer. Will the national spatial strategy be published before the election or is it to be kept a secret?
I stated that I intend to ensure the strategy will be finalised and cleared with the Government as soon as possible. I hope this will happen before the election.
Is the Minister aware that public and private investment is taking place throughout the country, including in thousands of one-off rural housing developments? Major investment decisions are being made which are not only inconsistent with the national spatial strategy – which is a secret – but which are also inconsistent with each other. It is vital that we introduce some sort of order to our spatial planning system if we are to ever achieve any sort of regional balance. Does the Minister realise that there is an urgent need to publish the strategy in order that it can inform all of the plans being developed by local authorities and the projects funded through private investment?
I have not noticed any lack of investment. The Deputy is correct to state that people are proceeding with their plans.
That is the problem.
There is no great secret, as a result of the contents of the national development plan, about some aspects of development in this country. Nevertheless, I accept the Deputy's statement that the national spatial strategy is an important document, that it needs to be published as quickly as possible and that it needs to be a centrepiece in the review of the national development plan which is scheduled for mid 2003. That is why I intend to publish the strategy as soon as possible.
But not before the election.