It's a lot of info all at once.

So, if you have absolutely no idea what the National Planning Framework 2040 is all about, then we're here to help you. There's no point beating around the bush, so we're going to get right down to it. Basically, it's a plan made by the government that sets out goals for the upcoming 20 years. That includes the future for transport, jobs, schools, infrastructure and much more. The government need to have national and regional strategies in place for the next 20 years as Ireland’s population grows. There's also that tiny matter of Brexit...

So, why do we need this?

Well, obviously - fail to plan, plan to fail and all that. Also, it gives a chance for a broad range of issues to be met, such as physical and social infrastructure needs like planning more schools, roads, health centres, sports and arts facilities, as well as major infrastructure needs like transport rails and new motorways. It has been reported that Ireland's population will grow by one million people in the next 20 years, so they also have to acost for that. So far, plans are to build 550,000 new houses around the country and introduce 660,000 more jobs.

Can I have my say?

Unfortunately, time is up for that. The government received written submissions and suggestions from September to November of last year, but that has now been closed. However, a meeting in Athlone is taking place this evening to discuss future plans. It is unlikely that any concrete plans will be confirmed until later this year.