Taoiseach Launches 'Ireland 2040 – Our Plan' Consultation

Taoiseach Enda Kenny has launched a major national consultation for the preparation of a strategic planning and development framework for Ireland until 2040.

The launch is the first of two public consultation exercises and a series of regional and stakeholder events in preparing 'Ireland 2040 – Our Plan'.

The Taoiseach was joined at the launch by Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government Simon Coveney, who is leading a high-level cross-departmental team in developing the Ireland 2040 Plan.

Minister Coveney said: "While we face many challenges presently, we know we need to think ahead for a radically different Ireland of 2040 including;

• A national population increase of around 1 million people;

• More than one-fifth of Ireland's total population being over 65;

• More than 500,000 additional people at work;

• 500,000 homes needing locations much closer to services and amenities; and

• Rebuilding community and commercial life in the hearts of our cities and towns and protecting the many qualities of our rural communities.

"We are now seeking the public's views on what the issues are and how we can – together – address sprawl and lop-sided development, better utilisation of the potential of both urban and rural areas and avoid congestion and adverse impacts on people's lives and the environment."

Full details are available on www.Ireland2040.ie and the public are invited to contribute initial views by 16th March, 2017. Those views will be used to shape a draft copy of the Plan which is likely to issue for further consultation prior to the Summer.

(MH/JP)