Almost half the Irish population are aware of the National Development Plan (NDP) and see it as a blueprint for Ireland’s future social and economic development, according to new research.
The research carried out by Drury Research into public perceptions of the NDP was designed primarily to determine the level of public awareness of the NDP and the role of EU structural funds.
Speaking today at the launch of the report, Mr Martin Cullen, Minister for State at the Department of Finance, said the Government wanted people to be informed fully about how their money was being spent in the NDP.
Mr Cullen added: "in particular, the research confirms that the inclusion in the NDP of the wider social economy agenda with £15 billion (constant 1999 prices) being allocated to social inclusion initiatives is a significant and important issue for the general public".
Ms Annette Bolger of Drury Research, said that when the NDP is explained, there is support from the majority of Irish people.
She said the main interest among the general public is in relation to local projects and the impact of national projects on their locality.
She said: "the issues that are of more concern are social issues such as healthcare, crime, drugs, employment followed closely by infrastructure development such as road, public transport and environmental services."
Ms Bolger outlined that the people in the Border, Midland and Western Region (BMW) are more enthusiastic about the NDP and its emphasis on balanced regional development which is seen as less relevant in the Dublin and the Mid-East Regions.
Under the NDP, £41 billion will be invested in infrastructure, regional development, and social inclusion.
The research carried out by Drury Research into public perceptions of the NDP was jointly funded by the Government and the European Commission.