COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL
MEETING OF LAND USE PLANNING AND TRANSPORTATION SPC
Monday, December 04, 2017
HEADED ITEM NO. 3a
HEADED ITEM 55673: L. Planning & Transportation
National Planning Framework-Update
REPLY:
Introduction
Since 2014, the Government have been working on a new spatial development framework to succeed the 2002 National Spatial Strategy. On 26th September 2017, the Government published the draft National Planning Framework (NPF) titled “Ireland 2040: Our Plan” together with associated environmental reports.
The draft NPF was on public display from 26th September to 10th November 2017. South Dublin County Council made a submission on the draft NPF (see attached document).
The objective of “Ireland 2040: Our Plan” is to provide the spatial framework for future development in Ireland, providing a clear indication of how development should be distributed across the country.
Principal Elements of “Ireland 2040: Our Plan”
The key elements of the draft NPF are as follows:
- “Ireland 2040: Our Plan” is given full legislative support within the planning system.
- Establishment of the Office of the Planning Regulator with responsibility for monitoring the implementation of the National Planning Framework.
- Projection for a 1 million increase in population between 2017 and 2040 requiring an additional 550,000 more homes and 660,000 new jobs to achieve full employment. The five cities of Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Galway and Waterford will be targeted to accommodate 50% of overall national growth between them. The Eastern and Midland region, of which South Dublin County is part, has a targeted additional population increase of 475,000 – 500,000 people and 330,000 additional jobs. It is indicated that Dublin City and suburbs would accommodate an additional 265,000 people.
- The preparation of statutory Metropolitan Area Strategic Plans for Dublin, Galway, Limerick, Cork and Waterford.
- Proposals to achieve more compact urban development with 40% of urban growth nationally to occur within existing built up areas on brownfields and 50% of growth in Dublin to occur on such lands.
- Development of State owned lands to play a vital role in re-imagining and reshaping urban areas.
- A 10-year National Investment Plan to support the implementation of the NPF through public capital investment.
- A National Smart Growth Initiative to support strategic growth and renewal of under-utilised parts of cities and towns and initiatives to facilitate growth in rural towns and communities.
Next Steps
It is intended that the NPF will be formally approved by the Government in early 2018. Thereafter, the NPF will be implemented at regional level through the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategies (RSES). In this regard, the regional assemblies have given notice of their intention to prepare RSES. South Dublin County Council is part of the Dublin Strategic Planning Area (SPA). The Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly (EMRA) are preparing the RSES which includes the Dublin SPA.
Pre draft consultation on the EMRA RSES has opened. The Assembly has prepared an Issues Paper and submissions may be made between 20th November 2017 and 26th January 2017. South Dublin County Council will be making a submission on the EMRA RSES Issues Paper.