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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 26 Nov 2003

Vol. 575 No. 4

Written Answers. - National Development Plan.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

91 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for the Environment Heritage and Local Government his views on the findings of the ESRI mid-term review of the NDP in so far as it relates to his areas of responsibility; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28449/03]

Willie Penrose

Question:

92 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for the Environment Heritage and Local Government if he will make a statement on the implementation of those areas of the national development plan for which his Department has responsibility. [28448/03]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 91 and 92 together.

I am satisfied with the progress being made in implementing NDP infrastructure programmes for which my Department is responsible. In particular, water services, housing and non-national roads programmes have been meeting or surpassing targets. However, I acknowledge that increased effort is needed to advance programmes in some areas, such as waste management and urban and village renewal, in which mobilisation has been slower. I look forward to accelerated delivery of programmes over the remainder of the NDP.

In general, I am pleased the review of the NDP demonstrates the macro-economic benefits to the economy as a result of sustained investment under the plan and supports the continued prioritisation of investment in public infrastructure. The Government is committed to providing the investment needed to carry out the improvements in public infrastructure envisaged under the NDP which are necessary to sustain Ireland's competitiveness and future growth prospects and which support jobs, communities and quality of life. The Government's objectives in this regard are being maintained and we will continue to prioritise investment in capital infrastructure over the remaining years of the NDP.

I do not accept all aspects of the ESRI analysis. For example, present Government policies that provide land for affordable housing at reasonable cost are soundly based and are not calculated to distort the housing market. I also question the view that the priority should be to address institutional arrangements around waste management rather than to move forward quickly to implement existing plans. Notwithstanding these reservations, the publication of the ESRI review marks a significant milestone in the progress of the NDP and the review will assist further decisions around the implementation of NDP programmes.

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