1. Introduction

In collaboration with the community, Carlow County Council and Laois County Council are commencing a review of the Joint Spatial Plan for the Carlow Graiguecullen Greater Urban Area 2012-2018 (as extended).

Section 18 (2) of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended) enables two or more planning authorities to co-operate in preparing a local area plan in respect of any area which lies within the combined functional area of the authorities concerned (see Map no. 1 of functional areas).

The new Joint Urban Area Local Area Plan (JULAP) will set out a land use strategy for the proper planning and sustainable development of the area. It will consist of a written statement and maps indicating objectives for purposes such as the zoning of land, economic and community development; residential development; heritage and culture; open space and recreation; transportation and infrastructure; urban design; and environmental protection.

The LAP process will involve public consultation at three stages:

1. Pre-Draft;
2. Draft Plan; and
3. Proposed Amendments stage.

As part of the first stage, the Planning Authorities are now engaging in Pre-Draft Consultation with the general public, stakeholders and interest groups. To inform the process this booklet has been prepared in order to give a broad overview of the main development issues currently impacting on the Carlow-Graiguecullen Urban Area and identifies the issues that the next Local Area Plan could address. This document can be downloaded at consult.carlow.ie and consult.laois.ie.

Map 1: Functional Area of Joint Urban Area Plan