Submission on Ireland 2040 - Our Plan, National Planning Framework
Below you will find PII's submission to the Ireland 2040 - Our Plan issues and concepts paper. Property Industry Ireland outlined the need for a visionary document with clear guiding principles, including the following recommendations:
- Clearly define a Vision and Guiding Principles to be followed by Regional Assemblies and Local Authorities in the Regional Spatial and Economic and Local Development Plans
- Introduce a mechanism to allow for deviation from the National Planning Framework where it is in the national interest
- Distinguish the goals to be achieved through the plan in the short, medium and long-term
- Establish a National Zoning Authority to guide and prioritise national development
- Focus of growth on key cities of Cork, Waterford, Limerick and Galway, and on Dublin/Belfast corridor towns
- Introduce a directly elected Lord Mayor for whole Greater Dublin Area to improve co-ordination on planning and infrastructure matters between the four Local Authorities
- Improve co-ordination on planning matters between local authorities and overseen by Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government, including through the introduction of directly elected Mayors for Ireland’s key cities
- Active engagement, including through guidance and other means, by the Office of the Planning Regulator where increased density/height is needed in Local Authority areas to meet national interests
- Introduction of special planning use category for retired/semi-retired population’s needs with aim to promote this sector
- Regional Spatial and Economic Plans and Development Plans to take into account changing demographics on house size and required need for smaller units and increased services
- Establish an independent National Infrastructure Authority to identify and prioritise areas of spend on infrastructure
- Review taxation arrangements of property with aim of ensuring that infrastructure and services are adequately financed proportionate to benefit and how central government fund Local Authority projects
- Promotion of speculative construction of commercial and industrial space in key growth cities through ISIF
- Engagement with business and civil communities on both sides of the border to ensure minimal disruption due to Brexit
