Spatial Strategy abolition prompts ‘policy vacuum’ fear

THE decision to abolish the National Spatial Strategy without a revised plan in place will create a “policy vacuum” that could halt progress on badly needed infrastructure in Hub towns such as Ennis, it has been claimed.

 

This week it was announced by Minister Phil Hogan that the Government intends to scrap the NSS, the economic development plan which designated “gateways” and “hubs” across the country. Under the strategy, investment was to be directed towards the gateways and hubs, with Shannon linked to Limerick deemed a gateway and Ennis a hub town.

Addressing the Oireachtas committee on Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation this week, Minister Hogan announced that the strategy would be scrapped saying the cities and towns never received the resources necessary to ensure development. He added a replacement strategy would be about a year away.

Councillor Brian Meaney voiced concerns about the effect of the decision on Ennis, particularly in light of plans to abolish town councils.

“I am not saying that the National Spatial Strategy was perfect; the National Spatial Strategy was a kind of a one-toothed wonder in that it gave designation to urban centres around the country but very little resources were put in place to back up those designations.

“For example, all Hub towns were to have improved sewerage treatment plants, this never happened in most towns. But at least while a town was designated a hub town it was in line for upgrade.

“In the absence of designations it may be an excuse for the department to halt any progress on badly needed infrastructure, such as the urgently needed increase in capacity at the sewerage plant in Ennis.”

He went on, “Other infrastructural improvements which were developed because of a town’s status in the National Spatial Plan, such as the rail line north of Ennis could become less viable because of a change in town status.

“Another consideration is that a lot of decisions for private investment in towns around the country was decided based on the status the town was given in the Spatial Plan. Any significant changes to that plan could leave the State liable for considerable compensation payments.”