The National Planning Framework (NPF) is the Government’s high-level strategic plan for shaping the future growth and development of Ireland out to the year 2040. It is a development strategy to shape national, regional and local spatial development in economic, environmental and social terms. The plan sets out 10 priorities, namely: housing and sustainable urban development; national road network; rural development; environmentally sustainable public transport; enterprise, skills and innovation capacity; airports and ports; culture, heritage and sport; climate action; water infrastructure; education; health and childcare. The National Strategic Outcomes encompass: 1) Compact Growth; 2) Enhanced Regional Accessibility; 3) Strengthened Rural Economies and Communities; 4) Sustainable Mobility; 5) A strong economy supported by enterprise, innovation and skills; 6) High-Quality international connectivity; 7) Enhanced amenity and heritage; 8) Transition to a low carbon and climate resilient society; 9) Sustainable management of water, waste and other environmental resources; 10) Access to quality childcare, education and health services. Regarding rural development, the National Planning Framework places a major focus on rural areas in relation to: a) strengthening Ireland’s rural fabric and supporting the communities who live there; b) planning for the future growth and development of rural areas, including addressing decline; c) putting in place planning and investment policies to support job creation in the rural economy; d) addressing connectivity gaps; e) better coordination of existing investment programmes dealing with social inclusion, rural development and town and village renewal. One of the objectives is to support the sustainable development of rural areas by encouraging growth and arresting decline in areas that have experienced low population growth or decline in recent decades and by managing the growth of areas that are under strong urban influence to avoid over-development, while sustaining vibrant rural communities. Special regard is given to planning and investment to support rural job creation. The plan aims to make agriculture, fisheries and forestry more productive and sustainable. The objective is to facilitate the development of the rural economy through supporting a sustainable and economically efficient agricultural and food sector, together with forestry, fishing and aquaculture, energy and extractive industries, the bioeconomy and diversification into alternative on-farm and off-farm activities, while at the same time noting the importance of maintaining and protecting the natural landscape and built heritage which are vital to rural tourism. Regarding rural development, the National Planning Framework places a major focus on rural areas in relation to: a) strengthening Ireland’s rural fabric and supporting the communities who live there; b) planning for the future growth and development of rural areas, including addressing decline; c) putting in place planning and investment policies to support job creation in the rural economy; d) addressing connectivity gaps; e) better coordination of existing investment programmes dealing with social inclusion, rural development and town and village renewal. One of the objectives is to support the sustainable development of rural areas by encouraging growth and arresting decline in areas that have experienced low population growth or decline in recent decades and by managing the growth of areas that are under strong urban influence to avoid over-development, while sustaining vibrant rural communities. Special regard is given to planning and investment to support rural job creation. The document further provides for an integrated land and maritime planning. It aims to support the sustainable growth and development of the maritime economy and continue to invest in the seafood sector and national Fishery Harbour Centres, particularly in remote rural coastal communities and islands. In addition, the plan aims to ensure that Ireland’s coastal resource is managed to sustain its physical character and environmental quality. Specific measures and actions are foreseen in matter of coastal environment and planning for climate change. In line with the collective aims of national policy regarding climate adaptation, these measures seek to address the effects of sea level changes and coastal flooding and erosion and to support the implementation of adaptation responses in vulnerable areas. Regarding water management, the instrument seeks to ensure the efficient and sustainable use and development of water resources and water services infrastructure in order to manage and conserve water resources in a manner that supports a healthy society, economic development requirements and a cleaner environment. Actions on air quality protection, noise pollution and waste management are set out as well. As regards governance, a more effective strategic and centrally managed approach will be taken to realise the development potential of the overall portfolio of State owned or influenced lands in the main cities, major urban areas and in rural towns and villages as a priority, particularly through the establishment of a National Regeneration and Development Agency.
آيرلندا · 2018-02-01