Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 October 2017
644. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if the functions of his Department extend to ensuring balanced regional development; his views on a recent EUROSTAT report that states that over 50% of development is in the Dublin region; his plans to ensure balanced regional development; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42347/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government, on behalf of the Government, is currently coordinating the preparation of a new National Planning Framework for Ireland to guide national, regional and local planning and investment decisions for the years ahead. The Minister has published a draft of the Framework, "Ireland 2040 - Our Plan", for public consultation.
The National Planning Framework will, among other issues, address the future development direction of our cities, towns and rural areas. In this context, Ireland 2040 underpins two key policy initiatives which come under the remit of my Department: the Government’s Action Plan for Rural Development, which is seeking to maximise the economic and social potential of rural Ireland; and the Framework Policy for Local and Community Development which seeks to create vibrant, sustainable and self-determining communities across Ireland.
I and my Department are actively involved in the development of the Framework, with a particular focus on ensuring that development is balanced and recognises the contribution of the regions to the long-term sustainable economic growth of Ireland.
My Department is also responsible for progressing the Atlantic Economic Corridor, AEC, proposal, which aims to contribute to effective regional development by creating sufficient scale along the western part of Ireland to attract additional business investment, to grow jobs and to support vibrant local communities.
Earlier this year, I established a Taskforce to progress the AEC proposal. The Taskforce comprises representatives from the business sector, key Government Departments, public bodies, and the third-level sector.
In addition, my Department has responsibility for oversight of the Western Development Commission, which has a particular remit in relation to the economic and social development of a number of specific counties in the western region. These are counties Donegal, Sligo, Leitrim, Roscommon, Mayo, Galway and Clare.
