Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 3 Jul 2001

Vol. 540 No. 1

Written Answers. - National Spatial Strategy.

Thomas P. Broughan

Ceist:

115 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the implications for planning and development of the recent forecast by the ESRI that the population of the greater Dublin region would rise by 100,000 to 1.6 million in the next five years and the forecast by the Central Statistics Office that Dublin will absorb the bulk of an expected increase of one million in the national population over the next 25 years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19708/01]

Eamon Gilmore

Ceist:

301 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the impli cations for planning and development of the recent forecast by the ESRI that the population of the greater Dublin region would increase by 100,000 to 1.6 million in the next five years and the forecast by the CSO that Dublin will absorb the bulk of an expected increase of one million in the national population over the next 25 years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20081/01]

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment and Local Government (Mr. Molloy)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 115 and 301 together.

The objective of the national spatial strategy, to be published at the end of the year, is to ensure more balanced regional development. The two documents referred to are a timely and valuable helpful input to the preparation of the strategy. The strategy will provide a framework within which different areas can develop in a way which fosters balanced regional development, while continuing to meet the other key national objectives set out under the national development plan relating to sustaining economic and employment growth, competitiveness and promoting social inclusion.

The continued economic success of the greater Dublin area will be a key focus of the national spatial strategy. The issues arising in the greater Dublin area are already being addressed within the framework of the strategic planning guidelines for the area, the Dublin Transportation Office's long-term transportation strategy, a Platform for Change, and the proposed new institutional arrangements for land use and transport co-ordination in the area.