Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Tuesday, 13 December 2016

Select Committee on Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government

Planning and Development (Housing) and Residential Tenancies Bill 2016: Committee Stage (Resumed)

2:10 pm

Photo of Fergus O'DowdFergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

This is a very important point. A change to reduce standards is significant. The quality of life for families is very difficult in many apartments, particularly if they go above a certain number of floors. My key point is that the physical environment in which the apartments are located is one aspect but the recreational and other amenities nearby are another. Many European cities have more open space and places for activities adjacent to high rise buildings. Quality of life is a significant issue and is affected by the quality of the built environment. It goes back to a point I made earlier, and I do not think anybody present disagreed with it, as Deputy Ó Broin proposes that open space and indoor recreation space and facilities lead to the quality of the environment and that is important in determining the quality of life.

It is the Minister's prerogative to make the decision.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.