Review of County Development Plan 2006-2012

Donegal County Council proposes to review the County Development Plan from Friday 9th July 2010. The review process involves the re- examination of the current plan and its replacement with a new updated plan.

The County Development Plan sets the framework for the spatial development of the County- for example its about where housing should develop, how our towns should grow, how design can be made suitable to its landscape, where industry should be focused, where social and community facilities should be focused and how our environment can be protected at all times. It is an important document for the people of Donegal therefore, in reviewing the plan, Donegal County Council are seeking your input and ideas.

Therefore, a period of public consultation commences on 9th July 2010 and closes on 24th September 2010. During this time, the Council encourage groups, organisations and individuals to make submissions about how you think the development plan should shape the way in which the County develops. To facilitate this, Issues Papers will be available from mid July in the Public Service Centres, libraries and below which provide more detail in relation to what the plan is about and what some of the big issues are.

Public events will also be advertised shortly to be held early September 2010- watch out in local press for details. Written submissions should be sent to: Mr Gerry Richards, Central Planning Unit, Donegal County Council, County House, Lifford, Co. Donegal or can be emailed to: cdp.review@donegalcoco.ie

 

DFI Submission to the Review

Dear Sir/Madam,

Please find as follows our comments in relation to the Review of the Co Donegal Development Plan and the preparation of the new County Development Plan.

 

• Page 4 - In relation to the sub-sections outlined we would suggest that as an overriding section “Access to services for All” should be adopted. This will take account of the Disability Act 2005, the outline of the National Disability Strategy, as well as of the Sectoral Plan for Disability under the Dept of Environment.

• Page 18 – 4.8 Human health and population – Again there should be an acknowledgement of the “Access to Services for All”. More specific it should certainly make provisions for enhanced building standards (beyond the minimum Part M), special accommodation for people with disabilities under the DPG grants mechanisms, better access standards throughout Co Donegal (as per National Disability Guidelines for Best Practice). Also, the local authority should make reference to employment targets within its own organisation in line with the provisions of the Disability Act 2005 and the Sectoral Plan for the Dept of Environment.

Finally, just as a general comments, I would suggest that you specifically invite the Disability Strategy Group within the Donegal County Council structure to make submissions with regards to its work around enhancing the lives of people with disabilities in Co. Donegal.

 

If you require further clarification on any of the above, please do not hesitate to contact me any time.

 

Yours sincerely,

 

___________________

Marcus Hufsky

Regional Support Officer