The strategy for developing the State’s cities, towns and villages over the next 20 years must prioritise bringing jobs closer to people, according to the Minister for the Environment and Local Government, Mr Dempsey.
Speaking at the launch of the final consultative stage of the National Spatial Strategy (NSS) today, the Minister said the mistakes of the past, where "local interests" prevented balanced national development, could be avoided because of the extensive consultative process involved in the current strategy.
"Every area of the country must have the opportunity to develop its own particular potential while having regard for the needs of the country as a whole," Mr Dempsey said.
While welcoming certain aspects of the proposals, the Labour Party criticised the timing of the document saying many of the projects had either begun or would begin soon.
"This launch this afternoon, is an insult to the people throughout the country who are currently seeking accountability from the National Roads Authority, or to community groups protesting to the erection of telephone masts or incinerators. This paper comes far too late for those people," the party’s Environment spokesman, Mr Eamon Gilmore said.
The Construction Industry Federation welcomed the document but warned that changes to planning and development regulations would be needed in order to meet the Government’s objective of building 500,000 homes by 2006.
The final consultation stage follows over a year of work by the Spatial Planning Unit (SPU) of the Department drawing upon both analysis of the important factors underlying success in regional development and public consultation.
In an address to the Chairpersons of the Regional Assemblies and Authorities in Charlestown, Co Mayo this evening, the Minister said: "It’s about sustaining economic growth that will ensure an improved quality of life for the people of this country.
"It’s all about relationships between people and places – where people live and work and how they move between one and the other. And it’s especially about ensuring that all areas and people throughout the country contribute to, and benefit from, on-going economic growth."
The NSS covers social, economic, cultural, environmental and physical development factors, with the final consultative document, Indications for the Way Ahead, identifying 12 focus areas:
- Eastern
- Southern
- South West
- South Eastern
- Midwest
- South Midlands
- North Midlands
- North Border
- West Border
- East Border
- North Western
- Western
The closing date for submissions to the Spatial Planning Unit of the Department of the Environment and Local Government in response to the consultation paper, is 31st October 2001.