Foreword

The review of the County Development Plan is one of the most significant and broad strategic functions of Carlow County Council. The new Carlow County Development Plan will be for the period 2022 to 2028 and will set out a vision for the development of Carlow to 2028 and be a platform for development beyond 2028.

During the period of the current plan Ireland has seen significant growth in its economy and population. The recent pandemic has stalled that growth and presented new economic and social challenges that could not have been envisaged until recently. This review of the County Development Plan is an opportunity to meet those challenges as we plan for the future.

The review of the County Development Plan begins on 24th June 2020 and will take two years to complete. This process will deliver a vision for the strategic spatial development of the County for the following six years. It will offer an opportunity to re-examine our rural and urban landscape and to bring forward innovative ways to improve the County for the benefit of all.

The publication of this issues paper is the first step in the plan-making process and it sets out the key development issues impacting the County that need to be addressed in this review. This paper will encourage public engagement and facilitate conversations on these issues and any others that arise through public engagement and participation.

I encourage any individual or group with an interest in the long-term development of County Carlow to engage with this process at this early stage to ensure that the final Plan reflects the aspirations and vision of everybody with an interest in the long-term development of the County to it’s full potential.
 

Kathleen Holohan
Chief Executive