Bernard Allen (Cork North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 31: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will introduce new planning guidelines for the urban and village centres; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25116/09]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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The proper planning and sustainable development of urban and village centres is underpinned by the legislative and regulatory frameworks set out in planning legislation and existing statutory planning guidance.

Building on the 2007 Guidelines for Planning Authorities on Development Plans which comprehensively deal with the function, content, process and implementation of development plans as a blueprint for the economic and social development of cities and towns, including their central areas, my Department issued Guidelines for Planning Authorities on Sustainable Residential Development in Urban Areas in December 2008. These promote high quality, sustainable residential development at all levels of the urban hierarchy, including towns and villages. The Guidelines provide more specific advice on coordinated planning and development of such areas. Best practice examples and processes to implement the Guidelines were provided in an accompanying Urban Design Manual.

The Retail Planning Guidelines for Planning Authorities support the vibrancy and vitality of city, town and village centres. My Department will carry out a limited review of these Guidelines later this year. In addition, my Department will prepare draft guidelines on local area plans which are statutorily required for all towns with a population in excess of 2,000 people and which are increasingly used in the planning of strategic developments.