National Plan 'needs one person in charge'
The Government was urged today to appoint a person with executive responsibility to deliver the major infrastructure aspects of the new National Development Plan (NDP).
Small Firms Association chairwoman Angela Kennedy told 350 delegates at the body’s annual conference in Dublin that the state has spent more than €53bn since 2000 through the existing NDP yet roads, water, waste and environment management systems were still plagued by bottlenecks.
She said the new NDP, which is due to be unveiled in the coming months, must not make the same mistakes and insisted the needs of the country must not be held to ransom by local concerns.
“The appointee should not hold an elected office and should be accountable to all stakeholders – the Government, the public and business, to successfully deliver the priorities of the new NDP on time and within budget,” she said.
“Unless the new National Development Plan is prioritised and someone is made accountable for its overall day to day management, Ireland will end up with many unfinished projects, which will have serious consequences for economic development and competitiveness.”
Ms Kennedy said the planning system must allow for more accelerated procedures for major projects.
“Over the course of the current NDP, the planning system itself has become part of the infrastructural logjam in areas including roads, public transport projects, waste, sewage and water supply,” she said.
“The appointment of a single office to oversee the next NDP would present a more structured national approach instead of the current situation where local authorities are failing to face up to their responsibilities in providing solutions to the problems of waste, energy, road infrastructure, public transport and housing.
“Yet the same authorities are using business as ‘money tree’ to fund their own expenditure.
“If properly prioritised, the new NDP can present a real opportunity to enhance our competitive position, deliver a balanced approach to regional development, help spread economic growth and add to the economic infrastructure of the regions,” she added.
