Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 21 April 2021
73. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the status of the review of the National Planning Framework; the overall funding commitment in relation to climate and transport projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19940/21]
View answerFor the information of the Deputy, the National Planning Framework is the responsibility of the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage. The requirements to review the National Planning Framework are set out in legislation, and my Department have been informed by colleagues from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage that this is due to take place in 2024.
Both the National Planning Framework and the National Development Plan (NDP), for which my Department is responsible, comprise Project Ireland 2040. As committed to in the Programme for Government, my Department has brought forward the review of the NDP to 2021 and this review is now under way.
The review of the National Development Plan in 2021 provides an opportunity to reassess capital investment plans, particularly in light of the new Programme for Government and the ongoing impacts and recovery from Covid-19.
The first phase of the NDP review commenced in October 2021, which included the public consultation, Review to Renew, as well as further evidence gathering by way of sectoral submissions for Departments and a series of technical papers. As part of Phase 1, an asessment was conducted of how to maintain and strenghten alignment between the NDP and the National POlanning Framework. The results of Phase 1 were published on Sunday, April 4th 2021, on my Department's website.
The technical and consultative work carried out as part of Phase 1 will underpin the decisions to be taken in Phase 2 of the NDP. The objective of Phase 2 of the NDP will be to set out revised sectoral capital allocations for the upcoming 10-year period, including non-Exchequer investment, as well as providing a renewed focus on delivery of efficient and cost-effective public infrastructure. The range of indicated sectoral priorities, including climate and transport sectoral prioritisation, will be identified as part of the final NDP. The overall sectoral funding commitments will not be finalised until Phase 2 has been completed and it is anticipated that this will be published in July 2021.
