29th June 2021
Senior Executive Officer,
Planning Department,
Meath County Council,
Buvinda House,
Dublin Road,
Navan,
Co. Meath.
C15 Y291
RE: PROPOSED MATERIAL ALTERATIONS TO THE DRAFT MEATH COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2021-2027
A Chara,
I refer to your notification of 31st May 2021 in respect of the above and the Northern and Western Regional Assembly (NWRA) wish to commend Meath County Council for the clarity in the layout of the proposed amendments to the Draft Meath County Development Plan 2021 – 2027.
The Assembly has reviewed the contents of the proposed Material Amendments and the associated documentation, including SEA and AA Reports. The Assembly welcome the Proposed Amendment 5.2 within Sec. 5 (Movement Strategy), as it proposes to include reference to the N3 Virgina By-Pass Road Scheme. This is important as Virginia (together with Carrickmacross, Co. Monaghan) are identified as places of regional potential within the NWRA’s Regional Spatial & Economic Strategy 2020-2032 (RSES). The N-3 Virginia By-Pass Scheme is a key strategic priority for the region and this is reflected in Regional Policy Objective 6.7 of the RSES for the Northern and Western Region.
Furthermore, a key objective of the RSES for the Northern and Western region is to grow the tourism offer across the Ancient East brand (Section 4.4 of the RSES refers). Therefore, the NWRA welcome the Proposed Amendment 4.12, as it relates to the development of the ‘Ancient’ Visitor Experience Development Plan (AVEDP) by Fáilte Ireland. This is important within the context of the ongoing collaboration necessary to develop the tourism brand for ‘Ireland’s Ancient East’, which includes parts of Cavan and Monaghan.
I hope that the above observations are of assistance in the consideration of the proposed Material Amendments and finalisation of the new County Development Plan in a manner that shall be of benefit to our communities. The Assembly look forward to further engagement with Meath County Council and if you have any queries in respect of the above observations then do not hesitate to revert.
Is mise le meas,
David Minton
Director