Time frame for National Planning Framework (NPF) Programme submissions extended

Members of Cavan County Council were encouraged to make submissions on the National Planning Framework (NPF) Ireland 2040 at the March statutory meeting of the authority. National Planning Framework will determine government development policy for the coming 23 years.

The deadline for submissions on the government’s plan has been extended. This Thursday was supposed to be the closing date for submissions, but that has now been put back to the March 31. The public can make submission to the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government.

Since the national consultation for the preparation of the Plan began on February 2 Minister Coveney and his officials have had countrywide engagement to encourage submissions. Niclolas O'Kane, chief planner with Cavan council gave a presentation on the NPF to members at the March meeting. He said that discussion on the local authorities submission of the document was in train.

The National Planning Framework is the State's effort to produce a coherent vision for Ireland in the period up to 2040. It will inform future policies, government investment priorities and government capital spending.

In his address to the council Mr O'Kane said that the NPF is likely to focus on the East and South of the country. He said that to benefit from the strategic plan it is vitally important that Cavan’s strategic aspirations are put forward.

Acknowledging the the time frame for consultation was very short he encourage all to make individual submissions. He said that there were five key themes for Cavan. They are its role within the Region, Economic Growth, Investment, Placemaking and Green/ Sustainability.

He said that Cavan should be identified as the principal town within the Cavan/Monaghan sub-region. This would be based on the fact that Cavan has the largest population centre, contains strategic facilities such as a hospital, Cavan Institute, Cathedral and Sports Stadium.

Under the Economic Growth heading the chief planer said that Cavan should focus on traditional sectors such as agribusiness, food, engineering and building materials. Mr O'Kane said that key growth areas were agri-tech, value added food production and digital knowledge economy.

The opportunity presented by Brexit and developing the potential of Fishing and Food Tourism were also identified as vital for the area by Mr O'Kane. In concluding the planner said that the NPF needs to provide a clear approach in managing development is differing rural area and that a goal of the NPF could be that the region becomes carbon neutral by 2040.

Submissions can be made via email to npf@housing.gov.ie or online at www.Ireland2040.ie.