It is welcomed that the role of the Circular Economy as well as the need for waste prevention and effective waste management are all acknowledged in a number of Chapters of the draft Cork City Development Plan.
We feel there is also potential to include direct reference to the Circular Economy in certain other sections of the draft Development Plan, in particular in the opening Chapter 1 Introduction. Inclusion in Chapter 1 could show that the Circular Economy has benefits not alone with regard to waste infrastructure, but also in the wider general economy. Appropriate wording to include within Section 1.5 Strategic Vision could be
'Cork City Council plays a fundamental role in the transition from a linear to a circular economy as they are responsible for key policies in public services that affect citizens’ wellbeing, economic growth and environmental quality. This plan will foster the linkages to transition from linear model to a circular model which keeps resources in use for as long as possible.'
Incorporate reference to the Circular Economy within Section 1.5 Strategic Vision
The Circular Economy is a positive strategic way of looking at sustainable development.