Verona Murphy (Wexford, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I have a question for the Minister of State that will require a one-syllable answer. The issue of minimum density at the edge of town and greenfield sites has caused significant problems outside of the M50 concerning the supply of housing. The imposition of such densities necessitates the construction of apartments at locations where they are just not viable. The application of these densities by An Bord Pleanála is unlawful and it undermines the statutory standing of every county development plan, as no specific minimums have been set out in the specific planning policy requirement, SPPR, or in the ministerial guidelines. I tabled a parliamentary question with the Minister of State in early May and the response I received was confusing to say the least. I put it to the Minister of State the SPPR that is relied an by An Bord Pleanála in applying such minimum densities is the SPPR 4 of the building height guidelines. I will quote the relevant extract: "the minimum densities for such locations set out in the Guidelines issued by the Minister under Section 28 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended), titled 'Residential Development in Urban Areas (2007)' or any amending or replacement Guidelines". I have said guidelines here also.

The section clearly relies on paragraph 5(11) of the Guidelines on Sustainable Residential Development in Urban Areas (2009). The relevant section from those guidelines states:

the general range of 35-50 dwellings per hectare and such densities (involving a variety of housing types where possible) should be encouraged generally. Development at net densities less than 30 dwellings per hectare should generally be discouraged.

It is clear that no specific minimums have been provided in either the specific planning policy requirements, SPPR, or the guidelines of 2009, so the Minister will appreciate how I was totally confused when I received his response to the parliamentary question raised wherein he confirmed that achieving densities of at least 35 dwellings per hectare is essential in catering for the more diverse range of households. It seems that the Minister is inferring in his response that the minimum is 35 dwellings per hectare, but neither the SPPR nor the guidelines make any reference to such a minimum.

Can the Minister confirm to the House that there is no such minimum provided in the guidelines for outer urban green field sites? It is a "Yes" or "No" answer.

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