Seán Haughey (Dublin North Central, Fianna Fail)
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Question 592: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the measures being taken to ensure that new high density apartment developments are of good quality; his views on whether such developments threaten the sustainability of traditional neighbourhood communities in the suburbs of Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35347/05]

Arthur Morgan (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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Question 606: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans to update legislation regarding the design and construction of apartment complexes. [35623/05]

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 592 and 606 together.

The 1999 guidelines for planning authoritieson residential density provided comprehensive advice on promoting higher residential densities in appropriate locations. The guidelines provide that, in promoting higher densities, emphasis must be placed by planning authorities on the importance of high quality standards in regard to design and layout in order to ensure that the highest quality of residential environment is achieved. The guidelines state that the overriding concern should be the quality of the proposed residential environment and that higher densities are only acceptable if a range of criteria are satisfied, including criteria relating to the size of the site, its proximity to ancillary facilities and quality public transport, the quality of the layout proposed, the mix of dwelling types, the provision of appropriate social and community facilities, the quality of the open space and amenity provision and pedestrian linkages, levels of privacy, traffic safety, access to local facilities and whether the needs of children, the elderly and the disabled have been taken into account. The guidelines recognise in particular that the private spaces of every dwelling should enjoy freedom from undue observation and that no undue loss of light should be caused from adjoining higher buildings.

More generally the guidelines provide that the design approach in residential areas whose character has already been established should recognise the need to protect the amenities of directly adjoining neighbours and the general character of the area and its amenities. My Department is reviewing the experience of implementing the guidelines to date, particularly with a view to ensuring that they promote high quality and sustainable residential communities.

The Building Control Act 1990 provides for the making of national building regulations, which apply to the design and construction of all categories of buildings, including apartment complexes. The building regulations, which comprise Parts A to M, are periodically reviewed and updated. I intend to make amended Part B (Fire Safety) Regulations, before the end of this year; and to make amended Part L (Conservation of Fuel and Energy) Regulations early in the new year. The Building Control Bill 2005 will be published before Christmas; and will provide for, inter alia, the strengthening of the enforcement powers of local building control authorities.