A new report calls for the urgent creation of a greater Dublin authority (GDA) to tackle transport, housing and planning issues in the region.
The report, Agenda for Dublin, also calls for the establishment of a department of urban development at a national level.
It notes that the capital is the State's gateway to the global economy and says the proper development of the region is a prerequisite for the development of the country as a whole.
The report, seen by The Irish Times, is due to be published tomorrow. It was drawn up by the Dublin Employment Pact and Dublin Regional Authority in consultation with government departments, political parties and development agencies.
It recommends that the creation of the GDA should proceed urgently and points out that the issues of transportation, housing and planning are not stand-alone issues and must be integrated into social and other policy areas.
"This would best be achieved through the linking of the GDA with the representative Dublin and Mid-East Regional Authorities and a role for these representative institutions at the greater Dublin level," it says.
Participative structures at local authority and community levels should be further consolidated and expanded. At national level, a department of urban development is needed.
On population growth and spatial planning, the report says that in a growing city, emphasis should be put on combining high-density development, efficient transport, multiple housing options, commercial and industrial clustering and environmental resource planning. The policies in the Regional Planning Guidelines must be implemented.
A coherent economic planning structure should be developed at the greater Dublin area level with representatives of all key economic players, it proposes.
The report deals with employment, stating there is a need for Dublin regional and local authorities to work with relevant economic and social partners to create a planning framework for the economic development of the capital and a common strategy for suitable inward investment.
On education, it recommends the development of common strategies to be prioritised in disadvantaged areas. Programmes must be targeted and adequately resourced at pre-school and primary level, it proposes.
The report welcomes the 20 per cent provision for social and affordable housing. However, it says guidance should be issued to local authorities to give social rented housing priority over affordable housing where there exists social need.
On drugs and alcohol abuse, the report says innovative measures and approaches need to be further promoted and existing services expanded.
On immigration, it recommends a realistic transition period for refugees between hostel living and independent living.
Agenda For Dublin: recommendations
Urgent creation of a greater Dublin authority
Establishment of a department of urban development
Implementation of population growth and spacial planning objectives
Economic planning structure to be developed at greater Dublin area level
Creation of planning framework for economic development to boost employment
Development of common strategies for education
Guidance to local authorities and review of programmes on housing and homelessness
Existing services to be expanded and innovative measures developed to tackle drug and alcohol abuse
Introduction of realistic transition periods for recognised refugees and creation of integration officers