Emer Currie (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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560. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government if he will review the policy of using maximum parking space guidelines for residential developments in intermediate urban locations under the "Sustainable Urban Housing: Design Standards for New Apartments" guidelines; if he will consider moving instead to minimum parking requirements to ensure residents' needs are met; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38870/25]

Emer Currie (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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561. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government if he will consider increasing the number of parking spaces afforded to developments in intermediate urban locations under the "Sustainable Urban Housing: Design Standards for New Apartments" guidelines due to overspill parking into other developments and negative impacts on apartment living under current guidelines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38871/25]

James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 560 and 561 together.

The Design Standards for Apartments, Guidelines ("The Apartment guidelines") for Planning Authorities (2025) were issued under Section 28 of the Planning and Development Act, 2001 ( as amended) on 8 July 2025. Planning authorities and An Coimisiún Pleanála are required to have regard to the Guidelines and are also required to comply with any specific planning policy requirements (SPPRs) of the Guidelines, within the meaning of Section 28 (1C) of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended) in carrying out their functions under the Act.

The Apartment Guidelines set out guidance, standards and policy requirements in relation to the design of apartment developments to take account of current Government policy and economic, social and environmental considerations. The availability of car parking has a critical impact on travel choices for all journeys, including local trips, where more sustainable options may be available. The provision of car parking can also add significant cost to the development of apartment schemes, and in particular where the ratio of parking necessitates a podium or basement car park. The Apartment Guidelines state that having regard to the types of location in cities and towns that may be suitable for apartment development, car parking ratios should be minimised, substantially reduced or wholly eliminated at locations that have good access to urban services and to public transport.

Maximum parking rates for all residential development (including apartments) are contained within the Sustainable Residential Development and Compact Settlement Guidelines (SRDCSGs), issued in 2024, under Section 28 of the Act. Specific planning policy requirement (SPPR) 3 of the SRDCSGs set out graduated maximum car parking rates based on proximity to urban centres and sustainable transport options, in order to promote more sustainable travel choices. These range from 1 space per dwelling in central or accessible locations to 2 spaces per dwellings in more peripheral or intermediate locations with higher rates of car dependency. These rates do not include bays assigned for use by a car club, designated short stay on–street Electric Vehicle (EV) charging stations or accessible parking spaces.

Where planning permission is sought for residential development, Planning authorities and An Coimisiún Pleanála will need to be satisfied that the necessary and appropriate provision of parking is provided in accordance with the requirements of the Apartment Guidelines and the SRDCSGs.