Introduction

Limerick City & County Council intends to prepare a new Local Area Plan for the Southern Environs. 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 Southern Environs LAP was extended, until 2021 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, until such time as the Limerick Development Plan is adopted. The Limerick Development Plan is expected to be adopted in 2022 and will include a zoning map covering the combined area of the former Limerick City Council area, the Southern Environs and Castletroy. The LAP will consist of a written statement and maps indicating objectives for zoning of land, residential development and its phasing, 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 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 preparation of the Draft LAP when a further 6 week period of public consultation will be undertaken. The 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. However, the content of submissions or observations are not limited to the issues outlined in this paper.