1.5 The RSES Process

1.5 The RSES Process

Figure 1.4 RSES Process

In preparing the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy (RSES) EMRA engaged in a dedicated collaborative approach to consultation. This included a series of consultation meetings undertaken with local authorities, state agencies, public bodies and other interest groups. Five Technical Working Groups were set up under the four themes of Place, Infrastructure, Economy and the Environment and in relation to the Dublin Metropolitan Area (MASP), and a series of workshops were held with relevant stakeholders.

Stage 2: Draft RSES On foot of the above consultations and engagement at the EMRA meeting of 19th October 2018 a draft RSES was prepared and made available for public consultation between 5th November 2018 and 23rd January 2019 inclusive. 312 submissions were received and a Director’s Report was prepared. At the EMRA meeting of 1st March 2019, the submissions were considered and the memebers agreed to make the Strategy subject to 139 proposed Material Amendments.

A Senior Officials Advisory Group, made up of representatives from local authorities, government departments and public agencies provided a strategic advisory role during the process. The Assembly is also arranged into three Strategic Planning Area (SPA) Committees consisting of elected members, who developed policy and considered the preparation of the RSES.

A significant evidence gathering exercise informed the initial preparation of the RSES. This culminated in the publication of an Issues Paper and an associated background Socio- Economic Evidence Baseline Report, prepared in collaboration with the All-Island Research Observatory (AIRO) at Maynooth University, in order to provide a detailed overview of the socio-economic characteristics of the Region. Interactive maps were also made available on the EMRA Web Viewer. This demonstrates the Assembly’s commitment to an evidence-based policy making approach to the RSES process.

Stage 3: Material Amendments The proposed Material Amendments accompanied by updated environmental reports were made available for public consultation between March 15th and April 12th 2019 inclusive. 106 submissions were received to this third and final public consultation process and a third Director’s Report on the submissions was prepared.

Stage 1: Issues Paper The Issues Paper was made available for public comment between 20th November 2017 and 16th February 2018, seeking submissions on relevant strategic planning and economic development matters. 171 submissions were received during the consultation process and a Director’s Report on the submissions was prepared and considered by the Assembly prior to preparing the draft RSES.

Stage 4: Final RSES Following consideration of the Director’s Report on the Proposed Material Amendments, the Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly at the EMRA meeting on the 3rd May 2019 decided to make the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy for the Eastern and Midland Region on the 28th June 2019, in accordance with section 24 (9) of the Planning and Development Act 2000. The RSES was subject to a Ministerial Direction issued on 14th January 2020.

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