Sinn Féin Councillor Conor D. McGuinness has welcomed the projected timeline for a new Development Plan for Waterford. McGuinness has confirmed that the long-delayed review process is underway and that a projected timeline is now in place. The West Waterford representative has been outspoken in his criticism of the failure to develop an up-to-date development plan over recent years.
McGuinness said:
“Waterford Council is relying on an out-of-date county development plan that should have expired in 2017. This plan was put together almost a decade ago and is no longer fit for purpose. I have been critical of the failure to enact a new plan over the past number of years, so I am glad that the initial review phase that precedes the drafting of a new plan has begun.
“A projected timeline for preparing the plan has been confirmed to me by the senior official overseeing the process. It is estimated to take two years and will involve three rounds of public consultation.
“The first stage involves a review of the previous plans (City, County and Dungarvan Development Plans), a strategic environmental assessment, and a public consultation seeking pre-draft input on a range of strategic issues. The Council has prepared a Strategic Issues Paper to kick-start the consultation process. The paper can be accessed online at www.conormcguinness.ie, at the customer care desk in the Civic Offices or at libraries across Waterford City and County.
“We need, and we are entitled to, a Development Plan that is fit for purpose and takes into account he challenges we face as communities. The new plan must take into account the need for affordable housing to put our communities on a sustainable footing, the need to quality internet connectivity across the County, and the need for clean energy solutions that do not force colossal wind turbines on rural communities.”
The closing date for submissions is 14th September at 4pm. Submissions can be made online at consult.waterfordcouncil.ie or my mail to Senior Planner, Waterford City and County Council, Menapia Building, The Mall Waterford.
Cllr. Conor D. McGuinness 