A wide range of policies and measures have been put in place to ensure that the unprecedented rate of housing development in Ireland is planned for in a manner that supports the creation of sustainable communities within a high quality environment, as well as providing affordable options for those seeking housing.
Guidelines for Planning Authorities on Residential Density were published in 1999. These Guidelines set out the basis on which locations appropriate for higher residential densities may be identified, the range of varying densities appropriate to different locations and the controls and safeguards to be addressed in promoting such development. The purpose of the guidelines is to assist in achieving high quality residential density of a suitable scale at appropriate locations, in conjunction with improved public transport systems.
These guidelines are currently being reviewed and updated to take account of changing population and settlement patterns and the extensive experience built up since the introduction of the 1999 guidelines in the design, assessment and development of higher density proposals.
In order to inform the revised guidelines on residential densities my Department commissioned a research study into apartment size and space standards earlier this year, with a specific focus on the need to make apartment living more attractive for family living. The study is available from the ‘publications' section of my Department's website at www.environ.ie.
A new Housing Policy Framework: Building Sustainable Communities was approved by the Government and published in December 2005. This sets out an agenda for an integrated package of housing policy initiatives. These include supporting higher densities and compact urban settlement through quality design in the creation of new homes, new urban spaces and new neighbourhoods.
Furthermore, with regard to the sustainable development of smaller towns around the country, my Department's Sustainable Rural Housing Guidelines which were published last year, recognise that the development of the rural environs of major urban areas, including the gateways and hubs identified in the NSS and county and other larger towns, needs to be carefully managed to ensure their orderly development and successful functioning into the future.
I am confident that the continuing implementation of the policies outlined above will have a positive influence on bringing about better urban design and sustainable development into the future.