Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 9 December 2004
241 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the various constituencies and areas in Dublin or the greater Dublin area which have shown a decrease in population; the reasons for same and the action or actions planned to counter the trend; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32910/04]
View answer242 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the reason for the reduction in population in various parts of Dublin city; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32911/04]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 241 and 242 together.
Census returns indicate that the population of three Dublin constituencies — North Central, North East and North West — fell between 1996 and 2002. I am not aware of research that provides a definitive explanation for the decline in population in these areas, though it may in part be a consequence of decreasing household size.
Population in a given area can be consolidated by various means, including fiscal measures and planning policies which promoter greater residential densities. For instance, the recent decision to remove or reduce stamp duty on the purchase of second hand homes by first-time buyers should encourage newly formed family units to move into family sized homes in mature suburbs.
With regard to planning, my Department in 1999 published residential density guidelines for planning authorities encouraging the provision of additional dwellings within inner suburban areas of towns or cities which can be served by existing or planned public transport services. Such dwellings can be provided either by infill residential development or the subdivision of existing residential properties.
One of the primary objectives of the Regional Planning Guidelines for the Greater Dublin Area, 2002-2016, which will inform development planning, is to consolidate population and household growth within the metropolitan area. To this end, the guidelines address the need for measures to facilitate increased occupancy rates in relevant areas.
