Submission to be made on strategy

THE COUNCIL Executive will lodge an extensive submission during the consultation process for the Draft Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy (RSES), while councillors have been invited to lodge their own stand-alone submissions as well.

The Draft RSES is a strategic plan which identifies regional assets, opportunities and pressures and provides appropriate policy responses in the form of Regional Policy Objectives. The deadline for submissions is January 23.

Cllr Steven Matthews felt the consultation period would allow the local authority and members of the Regional Assembly to lobby for clarification on moves to extend the Luas out to Bray.

Cllr Jennifer Whitmore was glad the vacant IDA site in Greystones had been included in the draft, and commented: ‘It is unbelievable that it hasn’t been developed after all this time’.

Cllr Miriam Murphy said the lack of accommodation in the county was hurting Wicklow’s chances of attracting business to the county.

‘We have all sat in our districts and heard presentations from the IDA saying we don’t have what they need. The lack of housing and properties to rent is a problem. As it stands we don’t have the housing stock for staff requirements.

Cllr Shay Cullen was hopeful that plans for Wicklow Port would be included in the RSES.

He said: ‘We really need to look at the enhancement and expansion of Wicklow Port. At the moment it is a stagnant port and requires major investment, but it has plenty to recommend it, including its close proximity to Dublin and the port road.’