Vol. 524 No. 2
349 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if he has satisfied himself that local authorities are adhering to his Department's recommendations on densities; the way in which he is monitoring this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22387/00]
Guidelines for Planning Authorities on Residential Density issued in September 1999. The guidelines set out in a detailed manner the locations appropriate for higher residential densities, the range of densities appropriate to various locations and the need to achieve a high quality of residential environment. Planning authorities and An Bord Pleanála were advised at the time that the guidelines are policies to which planning authorities under section 7(1) of the Local Government Act, 1991, and An Bord Pleanála under section 5 of the Local Government (Planning and Development) Act, 1976, are obliged to have regard.
In line with a commitment made in Action on Housing, published in June 2000, my Department commenced a review of the level of compliance by planning authorities with the recommendations and policies set out in the guidelines. To date, the review shows that of the 38 larger planning authorities, that is, county councils and county borough corporations, some 32 have either incorporated the provisions of the guidelines into their development plans or are in the process of doing so, that is, have prepared draft variations to their development plans which have not yet been adopted. My Department is in correspondence with the further six larger authorities to establish their plans for implementation of the residential density guidelines.
