Global economic conditions and national trends in population and employment changes are impacting our regions and communities in different ways. For the first time, Ireland will have integrated and aligned Planning Policy from local, to regional, to national.
The National Planning Framework (NPF) in 2017 will replace the National Spatial Strategy as Ireland’s strategic planning policy. The NPF will then enable the subsequent development of Regional Spatial and Economic Strategies. These strategies will be formulated by the Regional Assemblies in collaboration with our national & regional stakeholders. A game-changer in how Ireland responds to national and international trends.
The Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government is leading the preparation of the National Planning Framework (NPF).
The NPF is the cross-departmental spatial expression of Government Policy up until 2040, replacing the National Spatial Strategy. The Regional Assembly with our colleagues in the south and east play an active role in the development of the NPF.
For more information on the NPF please log onto www.npf.ie
As part of the NPF process the Northern and Western Region has developed a vision for the region in collaboration with our stakeholders.
View our submission below and get a glimpse of our vision for this region in 2040.
The NWRA simply wants to connect the strengths of the region, focusing on economic catchments, sectors, clusters & communities.
As part of the Government’s reform of local government as set out in Putting People First, the Local Government Reform Act 2014 provided for the existing 8 regional authorities and 2 regional assemblies to be replaced by 3 new regional assemblies.
The new assemblies were established with effect from 1 January 2015 by the Local Government Act 1991 (Regional Assemblies) (Establishment) Order 2014 (SI 573 of 2014). The membership of a regional assembly consists of members of the local authorities within the region. The Northern and Western Regional Assembly has 21 members and covers the county councils of Cavan, Donegal, Leitrim, Galway, Mayo, Monaghan, Roscommon and Sligo and the city council of Galway. View all the members here
The aim of the new assembly is to co-ordinate, promote or support strategic planning and sustainable development and promote effectiveness in local government and public services.
Our main function will be to draw up regional spatial and economic strategies. These will replace the current regional planning guidelines and will be drawn up in conjunction with the various enterprise and economic development agencies. The existing regional planning guidelines will remain in place until these new strategies are drawn up. The 2014 Act sets out the details of how the strategies are to be developed.
View our RSES Issues Papers here and find out how to participate in the consultation process ».
The Regional Assemblies
The implementation of the RPGs are an integral part of the Government’s programme to enable Ireland’s planning system to play an important role in the national economic recovery by delivering a plan-led planning system where spatial plans are aligned to benefit the economy, environment and provide for an improved quality of life.
This process has sought to prioritise future infrastructural investment at a regional and local level, whilst promoting the growth of designated settlements.
It is proposed that the (RPG’s) will be replaced by a Regional Spatial & Economic Strategy for the region.
View Regional Planning Guidelines below for the West and Border Regions:
The new Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy for our region will be based on a partnership, focusing on place-based regional economic development and effective regional planning. A game-changer in how Ireland fosters effective regional development.
The Strategy will be responsive to international trends, population trends and cognisant of our community needs. Most importantly it will reflect the ambition of our people.
The conversation is only commencing but we are committed to engaging as widely and effectively as possible. The Strategy will promote timely, evidence-based and coordinated delivery of regional economic development. Our intention is to promote existing best practice, foster innovation and ultimately connect it.
The Assembly’s commitment to this process is set out below. We would value any feedback on our approach:
1
Create a shared understanding about regional economic development across all levels of government sectors and our citizens.
2
Integrate and align National Planning Policy with Local Economic & Community Plans and Local Development Plans.
3
Establish an agreed process for regional economic development activities, particularly where activities are place-based.
4
Promote an innovative, competitive and productive region that enhances our GVA and contributes significantly more to national competitiveness.
5
Facilitate cooperation and collaboration between Local & Regional Government structures, communities and sectors.
6
Manage shifts in population trends, population movements and employment locations.
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