Mary Upton (Dublin South Central, Labour)
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Question 950: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on the drying of clothes on balconies in apartment complexes; if appropriate facilities for drying clothes outdoors in apartment blocks will become part of the planning process in the drive to reduce carbon emissions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33012/09]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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I am aware that many apartment management companies do not permit the drying of clothes on balconies in the lease/letting agreement.

The Guidelines for Planning Authorities on Design Standards for Apartments (2007) state that communal facilities for drying clothes may be provided in well-ventilated areas in some larger schemes. Where such communal facilities are not provided, the Guidelines say that consideration needs to be given to the provision of drying facilities within each unit, such as the use of screened balconies. A copy of the Guidelines is available on my Department's website at www.environ.ie. Incorporating appropriate outdoor drying facilities into the design of apartment developments may have environmental merit and, taking into account practical implementation issues such as space, privacy and security, my Department will consider the proposal further in the context of any future review of the Guidelines.