Introducing the Planning System • 4
5. What is the National Planning Framework? In 2018, the Government published the National Planning Framework (NPF) as part of Project Ireland 2040. It is the overarching policy and planning framework for Ireland’s:
6. What is a Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy? Regional Spatial and Economic Strategies (RSES) have replaced the Regional Planning Guidelines. The objective of each Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy is to support the NPF and the economic policies and objectives of the government. Each strategy is a long-term planning and economic framework for the development of each region. Ireland is split into three strategic planning areas:
• social, • economic, • environmental, and • cultural development.
The NPF replaced the National Spatial Strategy as Ireland’s planning framework. The policies in the NPF must be taken into account when preparing Regional Spatial and Economic Strategies and development plans. The NPF addresses a range of issues including the development direction of our cities, towns and rural areas. The framework specifically addresses: • compact growth, • enhanced regional accessibility, • strengthened rural economies and communities, • high-quality international connectivity, • sustainable mobility, • a strong economy, supported by enterprise, innovation and skills, • enhanced amenities and heritage, • transition to sustainable energy, • sustainable management of water and other environmental resources, and • access to quality childcare, education and health services.
• Eastern and Midland Region, • Southern Region, and • Northern and Western Region.
These regions are governed by regional assemblies. Regional assemblies consist of members of the local authorities within the region. The regional assembly adopts the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy. 7. What is a development plan? The development plan is the main public statement of planning policies for your local community. It sets out the land use, amenity and development objectives and policies of the planning authority, for a six- year period. The plan consists of a written statement of objectives and includes maps that give a graphic representation of how your city/county will develop and improve in a sustainable way in the six-year period. The core strategy of the plan shows that the plan is consistent with the National (NPF) and Regional (RSES) policies.
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