Written answers

Tuesday, 28 February 2006

Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government

Local Authority Housing

11:00 pm

Photo of Pat CareyPat Carey (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 512: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he is satisfied with the policies of local authorities in regard to higher density housing and the increasing provision of high-rise apartment dwellings; if he is further satisfied as to the sustainability of such developments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8156/06]

Photo of Dick RocheDick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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Guidelines for planning authorities on residential density were published in 1999. They are intended to assist planning authorities, An Bord Pleanála, developers and the general public in achieving higher residential density of a suitable scale at appropriate locations, within a high-quality residential environment, especially in conjunction with improved public transport systems. The guidelines set out the basis on which locations appropriate for higher residential densities may be identified, the range of varying densities appropriate to different locations and the controls and safeguards to be addressed in promoting such development.

My Department is reviewing the guidelines with a view to updating them later this year. This updating will focus in particular on the quality of new developments and will take account of the extensive experience built up since the introduction of the guidelines in the design, assessment and development of higher density proposals. The revised guidelines will also reflect the need to promote the building of sustainable communities, particularly in terms of adequate facilities, amenities, schools, transport and leisure infrastructure.

I published Housing Policy Framework — Building Sustainable Communities in December 2005. This sets out an agenda for an integrated package of policy initiatives on matters which included supporting higher densities and compact urban settlement through design innovation in the creation of new homes, urban spaces new neighbourhoods. My Department has also commissioned a research study into apartment size and space standards, which will inform the revised planning guidelines on residential densities. Guidance will also be included on best practice mechanisms in the effective linkage of the development of new residential areas with the provision of wider social infrastructure such as schools and amenities.

With the support of the necessary range of policy initiatives and measures, my Department will continue to work with planning authorities and all the relevant stakeholders to ensure the unprecedented rate of population growth and housing development being experienced in Ireland is planned for in a manner that will, in the longer term, support more balanced regional development and the creation of sustainable communities.

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