12.3 Implementation

12.3 Implementation

Implementation of the Strategy will be focused on policies, actions and investment to deliver the Regional Strategic Outcomes (RSOs) set out in the Strategy.

Review of City and County Development Plans

RSES Implementation Group

Within the Eastern and Midland Region there are a total of twelve city and county development plans with varying review periods. Mechanisms intended to ensure that there is an efficient and effective process of alignment between all the levels of spatial planning in our planning process, from national to regional and to local have been provided for in the Planning and Development (Amendment) Act 2018. This either suspended or deferred county development plan processes, or requires plans to commence variation or review within six months of the making of the RSES in order to ensure alignment with national and regional policy.

EMRA will establish an RSES implementation group that will meet on a regular basis to review implementation of high level policy objectives and progress towards achieving identified Regional Strategic Outcomes of the RSES.

The Implementation Group will comprise cross sectoral representation operating at a sufficiently strategic level to provide an over-arching view and to drive funding and collaboration opportunities in the Region. The Group may also provide strategic guidance on any issues that affect the effective implementation of the Strategy and in relation to any proposed amendments of the Strategy.

These provisions mean that all city/county development plans will be subject to review during 2019/21, and broadly aligned to address a six-year period to 2026/27. It is expected that all local area plans, including those to replace town plans, will be similarly brought into alignment during or immediately after the 2019-21 development plan review period. In the interim, any amendments or reviews of local area plans (LAPs), particularly in urban areas, need to clearly reflect the approach and direction of the NPF and RSES.

Implementation of MASP

The Metropolitan Area Strategic Plan is a key policy tool for the consolidated growth of Dublin. The MASP has been prepared in conjunction with the constituent local authorities and a number of stakeholders, who will be critical in the delivery of the RPOs.

An implementation group will be formed consisting of the organisations who assisted in the delivery of the MASP to oversee and drive implementation of the MASP for Dublin.

Local economic and community plans will also need to be reviewed further to approval of the RSES, although review of city and county development plans should take precedence in the work programmes of local authorities.

Figure from page 238

Regional Spatial & Economic Strategy

Funding Implementation

Rural, Urban, Technology and Climate Action Funds

A major innovation in the reformed funding model for the National Development Plan is the establishment of four funds to drive the delivery of specific core priorities detailed in the NPF, that are subsequently translated into the RSES. The four funds, which will be allocated resources amounting to an estimated €4 billion over the 10 year period of the National Development Plan are the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund, the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund, the Disruptive Technologies Innovation Fund and the Climate Action Fund.

Project Ireland 2040 (PI 2040) Resources and Funding

The launch of Project Ireland 2040 links planning and investment for the first time in Irish history through simultaneous publication of the National Planning Framework and the National Development Plan, to provide for Government policy and investment to facilitate social and economic progress in the coming years.