Introduction

Limerick City and County Council intends to prepare a new Local Area Plan for Newcastle West. The Local Area Plan (LAP) is a statutory document prepared by the Planning Authority, in accordance with the requirements of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended). The existing Newcastle West  LAP was extended, until 2024, under Section 19 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended), therefore a new plan is now required to replace the existing LAP. The LAP will set out a land use strategy for the proper planning and sustainable development of the area. The LAP will consist of a written statement and maps indicating objectives for zoning of land, residential development, delivery of community infrastructure, heritage and culture, open space and recreation, transport and environmental protection. The LAP must be consistent with the objectives of the higher order plans, including the Development Plan, the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy for the Southern Region, which identifies Newcastle West as a Key Town, because of its proximity to Shannon Foynes Port and Shannon Estuary, its manufacturing base and availability of labour and the National Planning Framework.

Public consultation is an important aspect of any plan making process in order to address issues and concerns which relate to the LAP area, and to ensure that the final LAP acknowledges community aspirations and concerns. This Issues Paper relates to the non-statutory “Pre-Draft” stage of the Local Area Plan preparation process. This “Pre-Draft” phase will be followed by the preparation of the Draft LAP when a further 6 week period of public consultation will be undertaken. This Issues Paper aims to encourage interest and debate and invites submissions or observations. The Local Area Plan can have an important bearing on all aspects of life with planning applications assessed against the zoning and other objectives in the plan. The content of submissions or observations are not limited to the issues outlined in this paper