Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 January 2017
490. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government when the new national planning framework will be published; if it has been finalised; if it is proposed to publish it in draft form or in final form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1084/17]
View answerThe National Planning Framework will act as the strategic planning context for relevant Government policies and investment in housing, water services, transport, communications, energy, health and education infrastructure, as well as the preparation by the three new Regional Assemblies of their new regional spatial and economic strategies, and for planning authorities and An Bord Pleanála. In this context, I have already engaged in successful preliminary consultations with key stakeholders, including with colleagues in other Departments and agencies, in order to inform the Framework, in recognition of the whole-of-Government approach and the challenges and opportunities that exist to better align place making, investment priorities, employment and environmental strategies.
Later this month, I intend to launch the initial public consultation phase on the framework. This will provide all citizens, stakeholders and bodies with an opportunity to have their say on how Ireland should develop over the next twenty years or more. This consultation phase will run until mid-March. Following this and having regard to the views and submissions received, I expect that a draft National Planning Framework document will be available for full consultation by the Summer to enable further discussion and opportunities for input, prior to finalisation later in 2017.
