Public invitation for development plan submissions

WEXFORD County Council is inviting public submissions as it prepares a new development plan for the county beyond 2019.

The development plan is a land use plan, the purpose of which is to provide an overall strategy for the proper planning and sustainable development of the area.

It sets out the policies and objectives in relation to a wide range of topics which will guide the future development of the area.

It will influence how the county develops during the period 2019-2025 and beyond.

‘It is therefore important that individuals, residents, communities, groups and businesses have an input into its preparation,’ said a spokesperson for the council.

The planning authority has prepared an ‘Issues Paper’ which highlights the strategic ’ big picture’ planning issues that will be addressed in the new plan.

These issues include population and housing, economic development, infrastructure, energy provision, climate change, the environment, community facilities, education and conservation and heritage.

‘We want to know what you think about these issues and how we should plan for them,’ the council said.

While the Planning Authority intends to review the zoning of the area of the development plan for the purposes of developing the objectives and policies to deliver an overall strategy for the proper planning and sustainable development of the area of the development plan, requests or proposals for zoning of particular lands for any purpose shall not be considered at this stage.

The Issues Paper will be on public display until Tuesday, April 11, and can be inspected online at www.wexfordcoco.ie and at the Planning Department, Wexford County Council, County Hall, Carricklawn, Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.; the Borough of Wexford District Office, Spawell Road, from Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.; Gorey Municipal District Office, Civic Offices, Civic Square, The Avenue; Enniscorthy Municipal District Office, Market Square, Enniscorthy, New Ross Municipal District Office, The Tholsel, Quay Street, New Ross and at public libraries.

The planning authority additionally said it proposes to carry out an environmental assessment as part of the review of the existing plan and preparation of the new development plan and will prepare an Environmental Report of the likely significant effects on the environment of implementing the new plan.