Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 November 2018
620. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the steps he will take to issue the appropriate order to make the necessary adjustments to the national planning framework in the context of commitments given to an organisation (details supplied) at a meeting on 4 October 2018; and if he will further instruct the regional assemblies to amend their RSES to comply with these adjustments and changes. [46739/18]
View answerThe National Planning Framework (NPF), published together with the National Development Plan (NDP) as part of Project Ireland 2040 earlier this year, is intended to provide the strategic context for future planning, development and investment over the next two decades. In addition, the NPF represents a long-term strategy for Government Departments, State agencies, State-owned enterprises, regional and local authorities and others to support communities to achieve their potential for economic, social and infrastructural development through a shared set of strategic objectives and key principles.
My Department held an information meeting with key industry stakeholders on 4 October 2018 to discuss practical aspects of the implementation of the NPF in relation to the cascading of its policies to existing local authority development plans and through the forthcoming Regional Spatial and Economic Strategies (RSESs). Such practical aspects included where existing local authority development plans, including the levels of land zoned for development, might be out-of-step with the broad policy framework of the NPF and the RSESs. Technical aspects of such situations have been the subject of ongoing communications and engagement between my Department and the Regional Assemblies, including the provision of the necessary guidance and advices.
The draft RSES for the Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly is now on public display until 23 January 2019, and has been submitted to me as Minister as a statutory consultee.
