Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)
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Question 568: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the way in which he proposes to respond to the upcoming report of the European Environment Agency which cites Dublin as a negative example of what can happen if you let the money flow without having a vision of balanced development; the plans he has put in place or proposes to put in place to tackle the adverse effects of such urban sprawl both around Dublin and throughout the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31765/06]

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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I understand that the European Environment Agency's report is not yet published but I look forward to examining its findings fully when it is released.

Nevertheless, it should be borne in mind that Ireland is experiencing huge levels of population growth across all counties, with the national population rising by over 8% in the last four years alone. This unparalleled growth, together with unprecedented economic expansion have placed large demands on housing and associated infrastructures. This represents a new challenge for the regional balance of development across the country, and for dealing with increasing pressures in the urban environs of Dublin.

The Government has acted swiftly and on a broad front to ensure that the provision of new houses and apartments is undertaken in a manner that is socially, economically and environmentally sustainable. A key policy response has been the National Spatial Strategy (NSS), which was published in November 2002.

In addition, the Regional Planning Guidelines for the Greater Dublin Area, which were originally published in 1999 and further updated in 2004, translate the NSS into regional strategies and objectives. These guidelines emphasise the need 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 principles of the RPGs are now reflected in city and county development plans and the effects of these policies are being seen in more integrated and strategic planning policies at local level.

Moreover, the 1999 Guidelines for Planning Authorities on Residential Density included specific objectives for more compact urban development by seeking to assist planning authorities in achieving high quality residential density at appropriate locations, in conjunction with improved public transport systems. These guidelines are currently being reviewed and updated to take account of changing population and settlement patterns and the extensive experience built up since the introduction of the 1999 guidelines in the design, assessment and development of higher density proposals.

I am confident that the continuing implementation of the policies outlined above will have a positive influence on bringing about more compact urban design and sustainable development into the future.