Malcolm Noonan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

Amendment No. 609 seeks to change the reference in section 84(3)(d) to conditions requiring provision of "open spaces" to conditions requiring provision of "appropriately located open spaces". It is a matter for the decision-maker to consider the provision of open space.

The purpose of this section is to allow for the provision of open space, the location of which will be based on a case-by-case assessment. The technical considerations of the location of open space are a matter for guidelines, or national planning statements as they will now be known, as there are a range of open space typologies, from small kick-about areas to large urban parks that serve urban districts. There are a number of factors to consider regarding open spaces, appropriate location being just one. I am not in favour of pointing out a single consideration in this regard. Therefore, I must oppose amendment No. 609.

Under the sustainable residential development and compact settlement guidelines, section 5.3.3, on public open spaces, states:

Public open spaces in residential schemes refers to the open spaces that form part of the public realm within a residential development. This is distinct from a public park. Open spaces provide for active and passive recreation... The spaces should integrate and protect natural features of significance and green and blue infrastructure corridors within the site and should support the conservation, restoration and enhancement of biodiversity. The public open spaces should also form an integral part of the design and layout of a development and provide a connected hierarchy of spaces, with suitable landscape features, including seating and provision for children's play.

This is reflected in policy and objective 5.1 on public open spaces. I am confident this issue is well catered for, both in the guidelines for planning authorities and in the Bill.