Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 7 December 2023
70. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his proposals for strategic ten-year development plans for local authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53931/23]
View answerThe Planning and Development Bill 2023 provides for 10 year Development Plans, replacing the current 6 year cycle. The content of development plans will now be more strategic in nature. They will include an integrated overall strategy for the area and six thematic strategies. The longer cycle allows more time in between plan making cycles for effective implementation of the plan agreed by local elected members.
An interim review of the development plan will occur at year 5 of the development plan so as to ensure effective alignment between the development plan and the Census, the National Planning Framework and the relevant Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy. The 10 year cycle, with 5 year review means that every elected member will be involved, at minimum, either the making of the development plan or the review and possible amendment of a development plan via the interim review.
The national and regional plans to which development plans are required to align range from 10 to 20 years in length. Extending the cycle of development plans helps to maintain synchronicity across the system. The new time period will also better align with Census cycles and availability of up to date population data; supporting more strategic planning by Planning Authorities and more accurate forecasting for Government in terms of the appropriate levels of funding required to meet the needs of a growing population.
