I ask what the current position is regarding the review of the county development plan, is work still in progress and has there been any public consultation yet. What is the expected road map for this going forward?
Minutes:
"I ask what the current position is regarding the review of the county development plan, is work still in progress and has there been any public consultation yet. What is the expected road map for this going forward?"
Report by Director of Services for Economic Development, Planning, Environment and Transportation
"The review of the County Development Plan 2015-2021 and the preparation of the new County Development Plan for the period 2022-2028 commenced formally on Wednesday 17th June with the publication of our notification of intention to review the existing County Development Plan and to prepare a new County Development Plan. The first phase of the process is the pre-draft consultation stage where the Planning Authority prepares a background document, titled 'Strategic Issues Paper' which provides a summary of the range of strategic issues facing the county at present, seeks to stimulate debate and encourage people to become involved in the plan making process. The Planning Authority are also obliged to hold public consultation events during this 8-week period but these cannot be confirmed at this time owing to the public health measures which continue to be in effect. Submissions can be made to the Planning Authority on the strategic policy content to be contained in the new County Development Plan before 4.30 p.m. on Wednesday 12th August 2020. The one exception to the nature of submissions which can be made at this stage is that no submission seeking to have land zoned or to change the current zoning on any land can be considered at this time. Landowners will have one such opportunity following the publication of the draft County Development Plan in approximately 12 months’ time. The Planning Authority have provided extensive details of the roadmap in the documentation which was submitted to the Elected Members on Tuesday 16th June last in addition to the information now contained on our website."
Councillor Frank Dolan noted that a road map had been circulated from the Planning Authority in relation to the review of the County Development Plan 2015-2021. Councillor Frank Dolan said that when the new County Development Plan is being drawn up something much stronger to have included in plan in relation to one off rural housing is essential as this is now more in need due to the COVID pandemic.
Councillor Enda McGloin supported the motion and said he did raise this issue with members who were involved in negotiating the formation of the new Government.
Cathaoirleach, Councillor Mary Bohan said all members want a change in this regard.
Councillor Padraig Fallon proposed that Leitrim County Council correspond with every local authority to see if this is an issue with them as Leitrim County Council needs to build alliances with other counties in this regard.
Councillor Justin Warnock said that a lot of thought needs to be given to this issue.
Councillor Sean McDermott advised members that when the new Government is formed the new Minister for the Environment will be invited to Glenfarne to discuss this issue.
Mr Joseph Gilhooly advised members that the Draft County Development Plan will be in place on the 19th May 2021 and he also confirmed that Leitrim County Council continues to work with the Department and the EPA in relation to one off rural houses and this issue does rest at political will.