A new Draft County Development Plan has been published which sets out a guide for the future growth and development of County Leitrim.

Covering 2023-2029, the Plan also lays the foundation for infrastructural developments beyond this period.

Residents have been encouraged to engage with the draft Plan and have their say.

Leitrim County Council commenced the public engagement for the plan on in June 2020 with the publication of a public consultation document – Strategic Issues Paper - which identified some of the key challenges facing the county in areas such as housing, employment, infrastructure, climate action, energy, and transport.

Cathaoirleach of Leitrim County Council, Paddy O'Rourke said: "We'd like to encourage as many people as possible to become engaged with and get involved in contributing to the County Development Plan. The County Development Plan is a hugely significant document, and a lot of work has been put in by both officials and the elected members in bringing the Draft Plan to this stage. It covers everything from providing housing to deal with an increasing population and a desire to live in our county, to facilitating employment and economic development, to improving facilities for our communities, provision of enhanced transport and infrastructure to include the rollout of the National Broadband Plan and the protection of our heritage and the environment. Everything of note that happens in the county is covered by the County Development Plan. Therefore, public input is so important. A new plan is only prepared once every six years. We know that local residents have the best insight and knowledge into what works for their communities, and we want to harness this expert knowledge to good effect. This plan seeks to ensure that the towns, villages, and rural settlements throughout the county will thrive and become more vibrant communities in which to both live and work. The County Development Plan will carefully map out how this can be achieved while also safeguarding the environment, culture and heritage of the county that make Leitrim so special."

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The Draft Plan is available to view at the offices of the County Council at Áras an Chontae, Carrick-on-Shannon and in the Ballinamore and Manorhamilton libraries. The Draft Plan is also available to view online on the Leitrim County Council website.

Submissions or observations can be made with respect to the draft Plan between Friday 11 February 2022 and 4.30pm on Wednesday 27 April 2022.