Review of the Wexford County Development Plan 2013-2019

and preparation a new County Development Plan

Wexford County Council, being the Planning Authority for the area, hereby gives notice pursuant to Section 11 (1) of the Planning and Development Act, 2000 (as amended) of its intention to review the existing Wexford County Development Plan 2013-2019 and to prepare a new County Development Plan.

What is a County Development Plan?

The development plan is a land use plan and its purpose is to provide an overall strategy for the proper planning and sustainable development of the area. It sets out the policies and objectives in relation to a wide range of topics which will guide the future development of the area. It will influence how the county develops during the period 2019-2025 and beyond.  It is therefore important that individuals, residents, communities, groups and businesses have an input into its preparation.

Issues Paper

The Planning Authority has prepared an ‘Issues Paper’ which highlights the strategic ’big picture’ planning issues that will be addressed in the new Plan. These issues include population and housing, economic development, infrastructure, energy provision, climate change, the environment, community facilities, education and conservation and heritage. We want to know what you think about these issues and how we should plan for them.  

While the Planning Authority intends to review the zoning of the area of the development plan for the purposes of developing the objectives and policies to deliver an overall strategy for the proper planning and sustainable development of the area of the development plan, requests or proposals for zoning of particular lands for any purpose shall not be considered at this stage. 

The Issues Paper will be on public display from Friday, 10^th February 2017 to Tuesday, 11^th April 2017and can be inspected online at www.wexfordcoco.ie and at the following locations during normal office opening hours:

Strategic Environmental Assessment

Notice is also given pursuant to Article 13(B) of the Planning and Development (Strategic Environmental Assessment) Regulations, 2004 (as amended) that the Planning Authority proposes to carry out an environmental assessment as part of the review of the existing plan and preparation of the new development plan and in this regard, the Planning Authority will prepare an Environmental Report of the likely significant effects on the environment of implementing the new plan.

Appropriate Assessment

Pursuant to the requirements of Part XAB of the Planning and Development Act, 2000 (as amended), an Appropriate Assessment Screening of the new development plan shall be carried out as part of the overall process and a Stage II Appropriate Assessment shall be carried out, if required.

Submissions and Observations

The Planning Authority would like to know your views on the issues affecting planning in County Wexford and the objectives and policies required to deliver an overall strategy for the proper planning and sustainable development of the area.  Written submissions and observations are thereby invited from all members of the public, community groups, business interests and all other interested parties including children, or groups or associations representing the interests of children.

Written submissions and observations can be made to the Planning Authority from Friday, 10^th February 2017 to 4pm on Tuesday, 11^th April 2017. Submissions and observations marked ‘County Development Plan Review Submission’ should be submitted:

• By hard copy to Forward Planning Section, Planning Department, Wexford County Council, County Hall, Carricklawn, Wexford, Y35 WY93, or
• By e-mail to countydevelopmentplan@wexfordcoco.ie

When making a submission or observation, please state if the views expressed are personal or are being made on behalf of an organisation. If views of an organisation are being submitted, it should be made clear which organisation is being represented. Submissions and observations may be made available to the public.

If you have any queries in relation to the plan preparation process please contact the Planning Customer Service Unit at 053 9196101.

It’s your county, your future, your plan

Have Your Say – Please Get Involved!