The Government has agreed to prepare a second National Development Plan. The next plan will begin in 2007.
According to a Government statement, the next National Development Plan, will span the seven years from 2007 to 2013. The Department of Finance will co-ordinate its preparation.
The Minister for Defence, Willie O'Dea, said the main objective of the new plan would be to try and address the investment now needed to maintain national competitiveness.
He said the it would take account of the National Spatial Strategy.
Minister O'Dea indicated that virtually all funding for investment under the post-2007 plan would come from the Exchequer.
Mr O'Dea said that a full scale consultation process on the plan would begin in the Autumn and will involve the social partners, regional interests and other concerned groups.
According to the statement, Plan 2007-2013 will be launched late next year.
