Dáil Éireann Debate, Monday - 11 September 2023
832. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will seek details on the feasibility of introducing a metropolitan area plan for the ever-growing Drogheda and east Meath settlement areas, to appropriately plan and address the increasing needs of the population in the areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37453/23]
View answerOne of the principal aims of the AG-led review of the Planning and Development Act 2000 was to place plan-making at the centre of the planning system by providing for a plan led system of planning and development based on an integrated hierarchy of plan-making consisting of the National Planning Framework, Regional Spatial and Economic Strategies, local Development Plans and various levels of local area plans.
In order to tailor local plans to the specific and differing needs of different localities, Local Area Plans are to be replaced by a suite of Plans which will enable focus on the particular needs of local areas as part of the Development Plan and include:
• Urban Area Plans –for towns designated as “regional growth centres” or “key” towns in the RSES;
• Priority Area Plans –for a sub-part of an urban area;
• Coordinated Area Plans –for whole/part of an urban area that is in the administrative area of more than one local authority, and
• Planning Schemes related to Strategic Development Zones (and Urban Development Zones)
Lower order plans will be required to be aligned to higher order plans, including with Development Plans in order to ensure greater consistency throughout the planning hierarchy. This means that all such plans will be aligned with National Planning Framework objectives.
The National Planning Framework published in 2018 sets out a vision and strategy for the spatial development of Ireland to 2040. The Framework recognises the strategic importance of Drogheda and aims to support its development and its economic potential as part of the Dublin-Belfast Corridor and in particular the core Drogheda-Dundalk-Newry network. The first revision to the National Planning Framework has commenced, with a draft to be published in late November/early December 2023.
Drogheda’s role is reflected at a regional level in the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy (RSES) for the Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly area. The RSES targets significant growth into the regional growth centres, including Drogheda, to enable them to act as regional drivers. In 2021 both Meath and Louth County Councils adopted new Development Plans which further underline the importance of Drogheda as a key urban centre in both Counties.
Subject to enactment of the forthcoming Planning Bill, it will be a matter for the relevant local authorities to determine whether an updated plan format is required for the Drogheda and East Meath areas.
