Niall Collins (Limerick County, Fianna Fail)

As I stated at the outset, the provision of amenities and services is a core element of the plan-making process and is key to promoting the development of balanced and sustainable communities.

Section 10 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 sets out mandatory objectives which must be addressed by local authorities in their development plan, including objectives for the integration of the planning and sustainable development of the area with the social, community and cultural requirements of the area and its population. The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage has supported the local communities in this planning function through the publication of ministerial guidelines, including Development Plans - Guidelines for Planning Authorities in 2022, providing for a strategic approach to the implementation of new development with a wide range of amenities and supporting community and social infrastructure critical to planning and sustainable communities.

Implementation and delivery of the provision of necessary amenities for new residential areas is a key responsibility of local authorities working in tandem with developers, infrastructure providers, Government agencies and others to ensure the sustainable development and quality of environment of such areas for new residents.

I will take on board the factual inaccuracies the Deputy said were presented and I will communicate them back.

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