Bernard Allen (Cork North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 226: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if the evidence of urban sprawl found in the latest census figures particularly in the soaring populations of Fingal, Meath, Kildare and Louth are worse or better than he had predicted; the steps he plans to take to counter urban sprawl; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30937/06]

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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I welcome the release by the Central Statistics Office of the preliminary results of the 2006 census which shows strong population growth on a national basis. This population growth augurs well for the sustainable development of the country. The National Spatial Strategy forecasted a continuing population growth. The Regional Planning Guidelines (RPGs) for the Greater Dublin Area 2004-2016 were prepared and adopted jointly by the Dublin and Mid-East Regional Authorities, and are in the second year of their 12-year life-span. These RPGs articulate the NSS vision for the Greater Dublin Area, and relevant city and county development plans translate the vision further to local level. The 2004 RPGs contained robust population projections, which were front-loaded in terms of population increase. These projections are currently being considered in the context of the 2006 Census to see if they need amendment.

The National Spatial Strategy calls for a more balanced spread of economic activity in Ireland, but recognises that we must support and enhance the competitiveness of the Greater Dublin Area so that it continues to perform at the international and national level as a driver of national development. The NSS also accepts that it is not sustainable that Dublin should continue to spread outwards into counties on its periphery and beyond. To address this, the RPGs for the Greater Dublin Area emphasise that it is necessary to consolidate the physical growth of the Dublin metropolitan area, the city and suburbs, while at the same time concentrating development in the hinterland into strategically placed, strong and dynamic urban centres.

The substantial investment in transport that was announced by Government in Transport 21 is in accordance with the general principles of NSS and it is envisaged that future residential and commercial developments will be concentrated as close as possible to the existing and forthcoming rapid transport systems. Also, Guidelines for Planning Authorities on Residential Density were published in 1999 and included a specific objective of more compact urban development by seeking to assist planning authorities in achieving high quality residential density of a suitable scale at appropriate locations, in conjunction with improved public transport systems. These guidelines are being reviewed by my Department with a view to publishing new guidelines next year and will take account of the changing population and settlement patterns and the need for building sustainable communities. They will also take account of the extensive experience built up since the introduction of the 1999 guidelines in the design, assessment and development of higher density proposals.