John Gormley
Question:281 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the plans, if any, he has to assist those organisations developing eco villages; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18839/99]
Written Answers - Sustainable Development.
John Gormley
Question:282 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government his views on the concept of the eco village; whether eco villages can make a contribution to sustainability; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18840/99]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 281 and 282 together.
Over all of my Department's relevant areas of responsibility the policies being pursued by me are aimed at promoting environmental sustainability. The areas of physical planning and construction are of particular relevance to these questions. The new Planning and Development Bill, 1999 will introduce a sustainable development philosophy to the Irish planning system. Among the measures designed to ensure that development follows sustainable development patterns are mandatory environmental objectives in development plans and the strategic environmental assessment of development plans and regional planning guidelines.
The residential density guidelines published last week in final form promote more sustainable housing development through the avoidance of excessive suburbanisation and the promotion of higher density development in appropriate locations, especially in conjunction with improved public transport systems.
In relation to construction, the forum for the construction industry has prepared a set of recommendations on sustainability and in conjunction with my Department is pursuing the implementation of these. These deal with issues such as incorporating the principles of sustainable development in project planning, site selection and brief development, including environmental costs, life cycle costs, etc. In early 2000, I intend publishing proposals to amend the building regulations and the technical guidance document on fuel efficiency and energy conservation to bring Ireland's insulation standards for new dwellings up to highest European standards on a phased basis. The Department is also sponsoring a sustainable building award as part of the annual construction excellence awards organised by the Construction Industry Federation (CIF) and Irish Building magazine. The first award will be made later this year.
My Department's aim, therefore, is to give effect to sustainability through the planning system and across the whole construction sector and thereby make all building development more sustainable.
I welcome all proposals to increase housing supply and to create settlements in a more sus tainable way. My priority at present is to concentrate on measures which have the broadest possible impact. While the Irish Eco-village information network made a submission to my Department last year, I have not made an assessment of the potential contribution of the eco-village concept to sustainability.