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National Spatial Strategy

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 July 2013

Tuesday, 16 July 2013

Questions (78)

Michael Moynihan

Question:

78. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the timescale for the development and implementation of a new national spatial strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33757/13]

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Written answers

The 2002 National Spatial Strategy (NSS) is Ireland’s first national strategic spatial planning framework. It provides the spatial vision and principles to achieve a better balance of social, economic and physical development and population growth between regions through the co-ordinated development of nine gateway cities and towns, and nine hub towns, together with complementary policies to activate the potential for lasting economic development in their hinterlands and wider regions. The NSS serves as a strategic context for spatial planning in Ireland by regional authorities in their regional planning guidelines role, and for planning authorities and An Bord Pleanála in their statutory planning functions. It also seeks to influence investment priorities particularly in transport, housing, water services, communications, energy, health and education infrastructure.

While the existing NSS remains in place, together with Minister Hogan, I will be bringing proposals to Government shortly for a roadmap to develop a successor strategy that will take account, inter alia, of our significantly changed economic circumstances and to contribute to sustainable national recovery. A new strategy is expected to be in place in 2015.

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