Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 28 May 2015
169. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will support measures (details supplied) regarding planning and the Disability Act 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21064/15]
View answerThe National Housing Strategy for People with a Disability reflects the need for an integrated, flexible and responsive approach and this is being pursued across a number of measures, including building regulations which deal with physical disability. From a planning perspective, Section 94 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended, specifically requires planning authorities as part of the preparation of development plans to prepare a housing strategy which takes account of the existing need and likely future need for housing, with an appropriate mix of types and sizes to reasonably match the requirements of different categories of households. The special requirements of elderly persons and people with a disability are specifically highlighted in this regard.
Individual planning decisions are taken in this context, balancing the various perspectives and factors involved, including the amenity of adjoining properties. Whether or not a proposed development is acceptable is an assessment which needs to be independent of individual circumstances, and which takes account of the level of residential amenity that it would be reasonable to protect in respect of adjacent properties, inclusive of the range of usual circumstances that those amenities support.
I am satisfied that existing policy and practice in relation to consideration of residential amenities is sufficient and that to consider medical circumstances could have unforeseen and disproportionate impacts in relation to balanced decision making on planning applications.
