State intervention is required in order to effectively address long-term employment, wealth and well-being into Ireland’s regional and rural areas, that’s according to Rural Independent Deputy Mattie McGrath. The group raised some issues regarding Project Ireland 2040 yesterday (15 February) with the introduction of its Planning and Development Bill 2022.
According to McGrath “Project Ireland 2040 will dictate where people live, work and have access to all public services for the next 20 years.” But the focus remains on rural areas as the group says they are forgotten when it comes to delivery. They have also mentioned that opportunities for remote working due to the Covid-19 pandemic “must not be diminished”. He added that strict planning restrictions on rural housing must urgently be reviewed.
Independent TD for Laois-Offaly, Carol Nolan added her voice, saying that “democratic scrutiny of the new NDP element of Project Ireland 2040 is essential, and particularly post-pandemic, to ensure Ireland’s future economic prospects are balanced equally.”
It’s understood that the cost of the NDP and National Planning Framework is €165 billion. The group adds that Dáil Éireann and public input in the NDP is required as they would be able to scrutinise progress. They have urged the government to stand with rural communities in order to ensure adequate development and greater investment in smaller towns, regional towns and cities.
LSL News.