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National Planning Framework

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 25 January 2018

Thursday, 25 January 2018

Ceisteanna (230, 231)

Joan Burton

Ceist:

230. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government his plans for additional special development zones at brownfield sites in the greater Dublin area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3774/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Joan Burton

Ceist:

231. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government his plans to co-ordinate the redevelopment of brownfield sites with the three Dublin local authorities that have boundaries with Dublin city to ensure cohesive community centred development; his views on whether there is potential for residential development at these locations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3775/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 230 and 231 together.

The National Planning Framework (NPF), which is currently in the process of being finalised, will set out an ambitious vision for what our country should and can look like in 2040.  The Framework advances national policy around both brownfield policy and infill areas by providing targets as part of a wider strategy for managing and planning for growth in urban areas.

The finalisation of the NPF and the 10-year Capital Investment Plan will be followed through by tasking our three Regional Assemblies to bring forward complementary Regional Spatial and Economic Strategies (RSESs), linking strategic national planning and investment with regional scale physical planning and the local economic and community development functions of local authorities. 

Formulation of the RSESs has commenced, a key component of which is the preparation of initial metropolitan area strategic plans. In this regard, the Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly, working with the relevant local authorities across the Greater Dublin Area, will co-ordinate a strategic metropolitan plan for the Dublin area. Engagement with each of the four Dublin local authorities will be undertaken as part of preparing the Metropolitan Area Strategic Plan (MASP), through the RSES process.

The MASPs will inform each local authority development plan, focusing on high-level issues that affect each city as a whole across local authority boundaries, as well as setting investment priorities, ranging from planning for transport, housing and economic development to major regeneration areas and projects. 

This process will provide for the identification of key development sites across the Dublin metropolitan area, particularly infill including brownfield in line with NPF policy objectives. Where appropriate proposals are brought forward for designating new strategic development zones, particularly in our key urban areas, I will positively consider them for Government designation.

In addition, taking account of the potential to breathe new life into existing but underutilised parts of our cities and towns, there is an intention to support the brownfield objectives of the NPF through a potential ‘Smart Growth Initiative’ under the forthcoming Capital Investment Plan.  The purpose of this will be to bring different sectoral investment streams together to achieve compact, sustainable growth in Ireland’s five cities and other urban centres.  In particular, the aim will be to regenerate underutilised or derelict areas, improve the liveability of urban areas, encourage economic development and ensure a shift towards more sustainable patterns of transport and energy consumption.  

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