Sustaining Progress - Department of Taoiseach

Chapter 4 Sustaining Progress
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4.1 Overall Objective
The overall objective of this chapter is to ensure that structures in the economy are capable of
consolidating and sharing economic development and prosperity.
4.1.1 Context
The current more difficult economic situation defines the context in which key deficits in the structure
of the economy and new technology opportunities and other opportunities arising in the global
economy must now be addressed, while maintaining social cohesion. Our dependence on
international competitiveness means that public policy must achieve both a sustainable economic
strategy and widespread and rapid adaptation in the face of changing world economic circumstances.
4.1.2 Sustainable Development
Development must be sustainable in social, economic and environmental terms. The Government’s
policy for sustainable development seeks to meet these three objectives on an equal footing and in
a way that is mutually reinforcing. Action will continue to be guided by the principles set out in
Sustainable Development: A Strategy for Ireland and Making Ireland’s Development Sustainable:
Review, Assessment and Future Action (Ireland’s Report to the World Summit for Sustainable
Development, August 2002). Economic sustainability is addressed in both Chapter 3 and this chapter.
Environmental issues are addressed in this chapter (below). In terms of overall sustainability, the
point is made elsewhere that economic and social development and environmental protection go
hand-in-hand in the achievement of sustainable development at home and abroad. Chapter 5 sets
out a range of policy areas in which action is being progressed in the social inclusion area. Issues in
relation to social capital are currently being examined by the NESF. A policy framework for support
of volunteering and unpaid work is being developed. The need to broaden the concept of progress
indicators in line with the NESC Strategy Report 2002 recommendations is recognised.
4.1.3 National Spatial Strategy (NSS)
The NSS is the key policy framework under which future infrastructure provision will be planned over
a 20-year planning horizon. The main objective of the NSS is to achieve more balanced regional
development along with a better quality of life for everyone, as well as vibrant urban and rural areas
and a better environment, supported by more effective planning.
The NSS will be rolled out through regional and local authorities, starting with the preparation and
adoption of regional planning guidelines. Integrated planning frameworks will be put in place for
gateways and hubs and the NSS will be integrated with county and city development plans. Urban and
rural areas are intrinsically interdependent and it follows that a strong, spatially balanced urban
structure must be matched by specific strategies for rural areas and strengthened rural communities.
Infrastructure provision will be planned and prioritised within the context of the NSS and regional
development goals. The balance between prioritising existing infrastructural deficiencies and
appropriate pre-provision to encourage balanced regional development will need to be addressed.
The 2003 mid-term review of the NDP will be used as an opportunity to reprioritise projects during the
life of this Agreement and the final years of the NDP to 2006.