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National Development Plan 2000 - 2006 The National Development Plan (www.ndp.ie) sets out the plan for economic and social development over a six year period, 2000-2006. The Plan lays the foundation for future development in the country via multi annual investment in five key areas. Infrastructure Productive Sector Education and Training Social Inclusion
One of the key issues underpinning the plan is a commitment to promoting more balanced regional development and to spread the fruits of economic success more equally at regional level and throughout society in general. The total spend under the Plan amounts to some €50 billion .
The Key Objectives underpinning the Plan are as follows: Continuing sustainable economic and employment growth Consolidate and improve Ireland’s competitiveness Foster Balanced Regional Development Promote Social Inclusion
Structure of the Plan
The Plan itself comprises the following :
Three National/Inter Regional Operational Programmes Two Regional Operational Programmes: The Operational Programmes are available at the NDP Website (www.ndp.ie) under ‘publications’. The Regional Operational Programmes are available at the Regional Assembly Websites: www.bmwassembly.ie and www.seassembly.ie .
The main focus of the Regional Operational Programme is to target investment at local infrastructure, local productive sector and the promotion of social inclusion.
The National Development Plan and Regional Development ‘More balanced regional development is a key objective of the Plan’ The Plan itself outlined a number of challenges which need to be addressed with regard to promoting regional balance in the Border, Midland and West Region. Necessary to increase the potential of the region to act as a counterbalance to the South and East Region especially Dublin and pursue more balanced growth within the Region. Increase the drivers of sustainable economic growth, especially in the productive sector. Improve the quality of the Regions economic and social infrastructure and human resources. Build on the Regions natural resource base especially in areas of agriculture, tourism, seafood sector and rural enterprise.
How will more balanced regional development be achieved / implemented though the Plan?
This objective will be achieved through two mechanisms. Firstly, overall policies will be looked at to develop regions of the state which are lagging behind. Further policies will be developed to ease the pressure on urban infrastructure and to tackle the problems of urban and rural poverty. Physical and Economic Planning will become more integrated through more effective land use.
The second mechanism for achieving regional development will focus on specific development areas. In particular investment via the two Regional Operational Programmes will target investment at Local Infrastructure, Local Productive Sector and the promotion of social inclusion at local level.
Proposed increase in investment in non national roads will improve links between towns and villages and larger urban areas (Gateways and Hubs). Further investment in urban and village renewal will make these areas more attractive to live in. Increased investment in rural water supply, agriculture, tourism, forestry and fisheries will further develop and help expand these areas of economic activity.
Consistent with the new Regional Aid Guidelines positive discrimination in favour of regions lagging behind and the commitment in the Plan that at least 50% of all new jobs from Greenfield projects will be directed to the BMW Region. The promotion of a number of additional Gateways as outlined in the National Spatial Strategy will also encourage regional development.
Mid Term Evaluation of the NDP/CSF
As required by Article 42 of the Structural Fund Regulations each of the Managing Authorities were required to publish progress reports or ‘Mid Term Evaluations’(MTE) of their Operational Programmes. The purpose of the MTE is to provide an independent analysis of the Operational Programmes (OP’s) of the NDP/CSF. It also comments on the continued relevance, effectiveness and efficiency of the O.P. and where necessary makes recommendations for programme adjustments.
An overview of the Mid term Evaluation is available here.
Details of each of the Mid Term Evaluation Reports are available at the NDP Website- www.ndp.ie under publications, evaluation reports.
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