Public invited to Blessington local area plan information day

The purpose of this plan is to put in place a land use framework that will guide the future sustainable development of the Blessington area. This plan, in conjunction with the County Development Plan, will inform and manage the future development of the area

An online consultation portal is already open which presents the written statement, maps and appendices of the draft LAP. To ensure consistency between the LAP and the County Development Plan 2022-2028 (CDP), proposed Variation No. 3 of the CDP is also on display.

Wicklow County Council will hold the public drop-in information day on Thursday, November 21 in the Wicklow County Council Civic Offices, Blessington Business Park, Blessington, Co. Wicklow W91 RTV0.

The information day runs from 11am to 1pm and then from 4pm to 7pm and members of the Wicklow County Council planning team will be on hand to answer questions from anyone who calls to the event. Local community and sporting groups are welcome to arrange a one to one meeting between 2pm to 4pm that day. Please call 0404 20148 to schedule a meeting.

Cathaoirleach of Wicklow County Council, Cllr Paul O’Brien, said: "The draft Blessington Local Area Plan is a land use plan that sets the framework for future development in the area over the next 6-10 years.

"A local area plan can shape where a variety of different developments can occur, including the locations for potential new housing, employment, and educational, community and recreational facilities, and sets a framework for the protection of locally important heritage assets such as the Poulaphouca Reservoir and Glen Ding Hill. The publication of the draft plan is an important opportunity for members of the public to make their views known on the future development of their town and I encourage everyone to have their say.”

Wicklow County Council chief executive Emer O’Gorman added: “The preparation of a draft local area plan for Blessington contributes to the achievement of our County Development Plan goals of ‘healthy placemaking’, ‘economic opportunity’ and addressing ‘climate change’. Wicklow County Council is committed to improving the lives of residents of the county and developing the county in a sustainable manner. Public consultation is an important element of the plan making process, and I encourage you all to make a submission to the forward planning team regarding the future development of Blessington.“

Submissions on the draft Blessington Local Area Plan are invited up to Wednesday, December 11. Submissions or observations should include your name and, where applicable, details of any organisation, community group, or company you represent. Children, or groups or associations representing the interests of children, are particularly encouraged to make submissions or observations on this matter.