Clare’s Junior Minister has dismissed suggestions that the Government has used the National Development Plan to promote itself, rather than the issues.
Fianna Fáil Leader Micheál Martin has questioned the Government’s motives behind the launch, but Minister of state Pat Breen has challenged the party to come up with an alternative.
On Friday last, the Government launched Ireland 2040, its 116 billion euro plan.
It comprises the National Development Plan, together with the National Planning Framework, which sets out the Government’s vision for the country for the next 20 years.
But it’s since come under criticism in some quarters, with the Fianna Fáil Leader today describing the launch of the National Development Plan as a “cynical measure”.
Micheal Martin insists that many aspects of the plan are re-announcements of projects announced over the past five years, and he’s questioned the Government’s motive behind the plan.
Clare’s Junior Minister has dismissed this and has challenged Fianna Fáil to come up with a viable alternative.
Minister of State Pat Breen says it’s important to put a plan in place that ensures growth over the next two decades.
The National Planning Framework includes plans to develop infrastructure along the Atlantic Economic Corridor, which is seen by supporters as a key counter-pole to Dublin.
The plan runs up to 2040 but Chair of the AEC Chambers Group, Mike Devane says the priority now should be to build on the momentum of areas that are currently undergoing a successful re-development like the Shannon Free Zone.
