The very apt words of Fingal’s engagement campaign “It’s good to plan ahead. It’s better to talk first” have nicely rounded up the first stage in the consultation process for the new Development Plan for the county. The Development Plan sets out the vision for how Fingal should develop over the life of the Plan while ensuring compliance with national and regional policy. The Development Plan presents an opportunity for the general public to shape Fingal for the future and ‘have your say’ when it comes to important issues such as housing, economic development, community and heritage.
Following the Strategic Issues Paper, a Chief Executive’s Pre-Draft Consultation Report was prepared and Elected Reps were given the opportunity to submit motions on the seven key themes:
- People and Place
- Climate Action
- Connectivity and Movement
- Employment, Economy and Dublin Airport
- Cultural Heritage
- Green Infrastructure and Natural Heritage
- Infrastructure and Utilities
The first round of public consultation submissions and the supporting documents can be viewed here. Minister Joe O’Brien and I prepared a submission which can be viewed here.
We are currently in Phase 3 and the next steps are outlined in the image below:
The five Green Councillors on Fingal County Council coordinated the drafting of 139 motions so as not to duplicate too much. A more or less complete set of our motions is available here on my colleague, Cllr David Healy’s website. David has gone above and beyond in helping the group understand the process. Consideration of the pre-draft report and motions will start on 30th August and the meetings of all considerations will be webcast here. So tune in and check it out and feel free to contact me at karen.power@cllrs.fingal.ie if you have any questions about the process or issues you would like considered.
