Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick City, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Amendments Nos. 359 and 363, tabled by Deputy Matthews, the Chair, concern the requirement that a housing strategy must include, in relation to specified settlement sizes, an estimate of the land to be zoned for residential or mixed uses to accommodate the population and housing growth targets and ensure there is sufficient land zoned having regard to existing capacity and planned investment in services. Amendment No. 359 seeks to include that such estimates must have regard to existing capacity and planned investment in sports and recreational infrastructure and services while amendment No. 363 seeks to include the same regarding education services.

The provisions relating to development plan content include the requirement for a strategy to include the provision, improvements, extension and preservation of amenities, facilities and services to meet, among other things, their recreational requirements. This is considered to be appropriate and balanced sporting facilities, while an important element of society, are provided under a range of measures - some public, private and State-supported. It would not be appropriate with respect to sporting activities to include an estimation of what facilities may be required.

The Bill, as drafted, sets out the requirements for a housing development strategy that includes the identification of existing capacity and planned investment in, amongst other things, community facilities and other necessary public infrastructural facilities and services. It is considered that education is covered by this section and it would be appropriate to single out one facility over another. Furthermore, it is a requirement that in preparing a development plan, the planning authority is required to consult with providers of education.

I am not minded to accept amendments Nos. 359 and 363 on the basis that we believe they are already provided for under the section.