Joanna Tuffy (Dublin Mid West, Labour)
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Question 59: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if reform of the Planning and Development Act 2000 is planned in order that it is clearly set down in law that future housing development must be tied to the delivery of infrastructure, that flood plains must be preserved from development and that development plans must be climate proofed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8029/08]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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Section 10 (1) of the Planning and Development Act 2000 requires a development plan to set out an overall strategy for the proper planning and sustainable development of the plan area. Section 10 (2) of the Act sets out the mandatory objectives of a development plan which include, inter alia: the zoning of land for particular purposes (residential, commercial, industrial, agricultural, recreational etc.); the provision or facilitation of the provision of infrastructure such as transport and water; the provision or facilitation of the provision of services for the community such as schools, crèches and other education and childcare facilities; the preservation, improvement and extension of amenities and recreational amenities; and the conservation and protection of the environment. Furthermore, section 9(6) requires that development plans be consistent with national plans, policies and strategies.

Guidelines for Planning Authorities on Development Plans were published by my Department in June 2007. The guidelines, which have a statutory basis under section 28 of the Act, state that development plans must offer clear guidance on sustainable development policies and objectives, both national and local, which address the various issues involved such as the provision of infrastructure, services and amenities, climate change and the sustainable use of natural resources.

I have recently published for public consultation the Draft Guidelines for Planning Authorities on Sustainable Residential Development in Urban Areas, together with an accompanying best practice Urban Design Manual which illustrates how these guidelines should be implemented. The guidelines are focused on creating sustainable communities by incorporating the highest design standards and providing a co-ordinated approach to the delivery of essential infrastructure and services. In this regard, the draft guidelines clearly set out the need for infrastructure, services and amenities to be provided in tandem with new residential development. When finalised, these guidelines will be issued under section 28 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, giving them statutory force and requiring planning authorities and An Bord Pleanála to have regard to them in the performance of their functions.

The Developing Areas Initiative which is assigned to my colleague, Minister of State Batt O'Keeffe, is also supporting work at central and local government levels to secure better co-ordination and timely delivery of key infrastructure and services in fast growing developing areas in parallel with housing development. The initial focus is on strategic locations which are experiencing significant development pressures within the gateways and hubs.

Insofar as the management of development on flood plains is concerned, I refer to the reply to Question No. 34 on today's Order Paper. In addition, in accordance with section 9 (6), the guidelines also indicate that development plans should be consistent with the objectives of the National Climate Change Strategy 2007-12 and with other related Government initiatives and commitments to reducing energy consumption and modifying the impacts of climate change.