I propose to take Questions Nos. 616 and 618 together.
The future planning and development of Tipperary town and surrounding areas is a matter primarily for Tipperary County Council. Under the Local Government Act 2014, local authorities have a range of powers in respect of promoting economic development within their administrative areas.
In this regard, I understand that Tipperary County Council formulated and adopted a Local Economic and Community Plan (LECP) in February 2016. The Tipperary LECP puts in place policies and actions to tackle both economic and social development issues and was developed in consultation with key stakeholders as well as the broader community and business interests, and has taken into account relevant national, regional and local policies. Separate but complementary to this, Tipperary County Council have established a Local Enterprise Office to support the promotion of small and medium sized firms.
Taking account of the above and in view of the powers conferred on local authorities under the Local Government Act 2014, the establishment of a taskforce, if appropriate, is a matter for Tipperary County Council.
Under Section 165 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended), it is a matter for a development agency, generally a local authority, to put forward areas that they consider to be of strategic economic and social importance to the State for designation as a Strategic Development Zone. I have received no proposal in respect of a possible Strategic Development zone in South Tipperary.
