Frank Feighan (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 112: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will draft new planning guidelines for the proper development and maintenance of village and urban centres for the benefit of local communities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35950/09]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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The proper planning and sustainable development of urban and village centres is underpinned by the legislative and regulatory frameworks set out in planning legislation and supported by the extensive suite of statutory planning guidance already in place. New draft guidelines in preparation will provide further support in these regards.

Building on the 2007 guidelines for planning authorities on development plans, which comprehensively deal with the function, content, process and implementation of development plans as a blueprint for the economic and social development of cities and towns, including their central areas, my Department published guidelines for planning authorities on sustainable residential development in urban areas in December 2008.

These promote high quality, sustainable residential development at all levels of the urban hierarchy, including towns and villages. The guidelines provide more specific advice on co-ordinated planning and development of such areas. Best practice examples and processes to implement the guidelines were also provided in an accompanying urban design manual.

The 2005 retail planning guidelines for planning authorities also support the vibrancy and vitality of city, town and village centres. My Department intends to commence a focussed review of these guidelines before the end of the year, which will consider how town centres can be further enhanced and revitalised through sustainable retail planning policies. In addition, my Department is preparing draft guidelines on local area plans which are increasingly used in the planning of strategic developments within an urban and suburban context.

Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Fine Gael)
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There has been much bad planning in towns and villages across the country. Many housing estates have been left unfinished with no proper facilities. It is important, therefore, these guidelines are drawn up and issued as soon as possible. In one estate in the Dublin North-East constituency a town centre was to be built and a DART station brought on-line but neither has happened. Will the Minister guarantee that the provision of proper facilities will be included in these new guidelines and be put on a statutory footing?

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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Only last week, we introduced the Planning and Development (Amendment) Bill 2009 in the Seanad which will ensure the highest standards in planning and development. For the first time, a local authority's regional planning guidelines will have to have regard to and comply with the national spatial strategy. I have also introduced measures which ensure new residential developments will be built near public transport facilities, crèches and playing areas which is what good planning is about.

Planning is not about buildings but about people. In the past, we tended to forget about this aspect. It is only when one has people-centred planning that it makes sense and people's quality of life is enhanced. I hope the Deputy will see the Planning and Development (Amendment) Bill contains many good provisions and as a consequence support it.