Vol. 557 No. 1
425 Mr. O'Dowd asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if Drogheda will be included in the spatial strategy for the greater Dublin area or the national spatial strategy as at present it appears to be falling between both; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21265/02]
Both the national spatial strategy and the strategic planning guidelines for the greater Dublin area are of relevance to Drogheda. The national spatial strategy, which is being finalised, will have a strong focus on policies which will help every region to realise its potential and participate in a more balanced way in the country's continuing economic and social development. Drogheda has considerable potential given its scale, its established enterprise base, its strategic position on the Dublin-Belfast corridor and its communications and business links with the greater Dublin area.
The greater Dublin area comprises the Dublin and mid-east regions, including County Meath. The main purpose of the greater Dublin area strategic planning guidelines was to put in place a broad planning framework to guide the future development of the area.
The national spatial strategy will be implemented with the support of regional authorities, starting with the preparation and adoption of regional planning guidelines in accordance with the provisions of the Planning and Development Act, 2000. In the case of the greater Dublin area, a review of the current strategic planning guidelines will be required to take account of the provisions of the national spatial strategy. In that review there will be a need to consider Drogheda's relationship with its catchment, its role within the Border region and its role in the spatial development of the greater Dublin area having regard to the town's close functional and physical links with the area.
