Paudie Coffey (Waterford, Fine Gael)
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My Department published statutory guidelines for planning authorities in June 2013 on Local Area Plans under Section 28 of the Planning Act 2000 (as amended). Section 5 of these Guidelines offer advice as regards the structure and content of local area plans and sets out a range of policies that can be put in place to promote and facilitate active and healthy living patterns for local communities.

These include:

- promoting walking, cycling as modes of transport;

- accessibility to public open spaces, recreational and sports facilities;

- proximity of new development to sustainable travel modes;

- provision of play areas; and

- careful consideration of the appropriateness of the location of fast food outlets in the vicinity of schools and parks.

A practical effect of these guidelines with regard to fast food outlets is that consideration can be given to the appropriateness of their location in the vicinity of schools and parks, for example in newly developing areas, while at the same time taking into account wider land use considerations.

However, with regard to the many schools located in or near town centres, restriction of fast food outlets in these kinds of situations needs to be carefully considered on a case by case basis, in view of the mix of existing uses typically found in central areas.

In addition, planning policy with regard to the location of fast food outlets needs to be considered also within the wider policy context of practical steps that can be taken to more widely promote and facilitate active and healthy living patterns by enhancing scope for activities such as walking, cycling and sports and active leisure pursuits and their associated facilities.