The plans to review the administrative support given to regional assemblies in view of their role in the National Planning Framework

QUESTION

To ask the Minister for Housing; Planning and Local Government his plans to review the administrative support given to regional assemblies in view of their role in the National Planning Framework; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

To ask the Minister for Housing; Planning and Local Government his plans to review the administrative support provided to the regional assemblies in view of their role under the national planning framework; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

REPLY

The three Regional Assemblies were established further to the Local Government Reform Act 2014 and comprise representation from the constituent local authorities in the Eastern and Midland (Dublin, the Mid-East and Midlands), Northern and Western (North-West, West and Border) and Southern (Mid-West, South-West and South-East) regions. The requisite staffing structure was formalised for each of the three Regional Assemblies to administer and carry out their functions.
Implementation of Project Ireland 2040 will be progressed at the regional level by the three Regional Assemblies who have responsibility for co-ordinating, promoting and supporting the strategic planning and sustainable development of their regions, consistent with the objectives of the National Planning Framework (NPF), through the preparation of Regional Spatial and Economic Strategies (RSES). Recognising the critical role that the Regional Assemblies have in the ongoing implementation of the NPF, my Department has been engaging with the three Assemblies on an ongoing basis throughout the formulation and publication of the NPF and preparations of the corresponding RSES.  
I am confident that the Assemblies are currently adequately equipped to fulfill their role in the RSES process, and in the general implementation process of the NPF at the regional and local levels, in consultation with my Department, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, and local authorities, supported by the dissemination of any further advice and guidance as required. However, I will keep the matter under regular review.