Darren O'Rourke (Meath East, Sinn Fein)
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365. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government the way the national planning framework policy objective (details supplied) is being delivered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12481/21]

Peter Burke (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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The identification and implementation of greenbelts and green spaces at a regional and city scale is a matter for regional assemblies and local authorities, through the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategies (including Metropolitan Area Spatial Plans) and City/County Development Plans. Guidance in relation to provision and design of open space at the local level is set out in the Sustainable Residential Development in Urban Areas – Guidelines for Planning Authorities published by my Department in 2009 (and supplemented by the Urban Design Manual also published by my Department in 2009).

My Department is currently working towards developing detailed guidelines in relation to sustainable settlement and best practice urban design, which will incorporate the 2009 Guidelines and Manual. The proposed sustainable settlement guidance will seek to address key issues in relation to the creation of an accessible and interconnected network of open space which responds to natural features and provides a range of active and passive spaces to support the development of sustainable and amenable neighbourhoods that promote a high quality of life for its residents.

The Guidelines will further underpin and support the preparation of statutory development plans by planning authority undertaken in accordance with sections 9-13 of the Planning and Development Act, 2000 (as amended). Specifically Section 10(2) of the Act and the First Schedule thereto provides that a development plan shall include objectives for wide range of issues that will support the achievement of NPO 62.