Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 2 March 2017
348. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the details of the work his Department has completed in preparation for and in response to the development of a new national planning framework; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10910/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Planning Framework (NPF) - known as "Ireland 2040-Our Plan" will be a long-term, 20 year+ strategy for the spatial development of Ireland that will seek to guide future planning and investment decisions. It is being led on behalf of the Government by the Department of Housing, Planning Community and Local Government.
The process of developing the NPF is overseen by a senior officials cross-departmental steering group which includes both my Department and the National Transport Authority (NTA). The NTA is also represented on an expert group which supports the technical aspects of the development of the NPF. An initial consultation process is currently underway and is supported by a detailed "issues and choices" consultation paper.
My Department has contributed to the consultation paper through a position paper outlining the relevance of the NPF to the Department's remit and also through ongoing contact with the NPF project team. Input to date has emphasised the importance of a number of issues from my Department's perspective including:
- Compact settlement patterns to underpin our transport system;
- Protecting the considerable investment made to date in our transport network, particularly in relation to the strategic road network;
- Protecting our landscapes, seascapes and cultural heritage;
- Robust monitoring and oversight of NPF implementation;
- More formal integration between land use and transport across the country.
I am happy to report that my Department's input to date has been reflected in the consultation paper. My officials will continue to work with the NPF project team over the coming months.
