This Issues Paper is a consultation document that has been prepared in advance of drafting the Wicklow County Development Plan 2021. Consultation is a fundamental step in the preparation and drafting of the Development Plan. This Issues Paper is designed to inform the consultation process, stimulate debate and encourage members of the public and all interested parties to make a submission.

The County Development Plan sets out an overall strategy for the proper planning and sustainable development of County Wicklow. It consists of a written statement and plans and sets out policy and objectives to guide future development. The making of a County Development Plan is a reserved function i.e. adopted by the Elected Members.

Statutory Basis

The Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended) requires the Planning Authority to make a development plan for the County every six years. The Development Plan must include mandatory objectives which are set out in Section 10 of the Act. These include objectives for the zoning of land, provision of infrastructure, the conservation and protection of the built and natural environment, the development and renewal of areas that are in need of regeneration, the preservation of the character of the landscape and the promotion of sustainable settlement and transportation strategies in urban and rural areas. The County Development Plan must also contain a Core Strategy which will show that the development objectives in the development plan area consistent with the national and regional development objectives set out in the National Planning Framework and the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy. 

Project Ireland 2040: National Planning Framework

The National Planning Framework, published in February 2018, is a 20 year high level strategic plan to guide development and investment. The purpose of the NPF is to enable all parts of Ireland to accommodate growth and change by facilitating a shift towards Ireland’s regions and cities other than Dublin while also recognising Dublin’s ongoing key role.

The NPF identifies ten National Strategic Outcomes. The companion to the NPF is the National Development Plan, a 10 year strategy for public capital investment.

Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy for the Eastern and Midland Region

Wicklow forms part of the Eastern and Midlands Region. The Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy (RSES) for the Eastern and Midland Region was adopted on the 28th June 2019 and is underpinned by three key principles – Healthy Placemaking, Climate Action and Economic Opportunity.

The RSES recognises that one of the key challenges facing the Region is the need for better alignment between population growth, location of residential development and employment to create healthy and attractive places. The transition to a low carbon society is also identified as a challenge for the Region.  Achieving sustainable development patterns that promote compact growth, reduce transport demand and encourage low carbon transport modes is identified as one of the primary areas of transition for the Region. The other areas of transition include sustainable transport systems, carbon storing and sequestering land uses, energy efficient buildings and industry and renewable energy.

The RSES identifies 16 Regional Strategic outcomes which are aligned with the NPF National Strategic outcomes. 

Wicklow County Council is required to review the County Development Plan following on from the adoption of the RSES. The RSES identifies Bray and Wicklow – Rathnew as Key Towns. This will inform the settlement hierarchy for the County Development Plan.

Source: Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy for the Eastern and Midland Region (2019: 24).