Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 January 2018
1776. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government when proposals will be brought forward that apartment blocks or commercial buildings can be built higher; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1412/18]
View answer1777. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the number of stories high he plans to allow new builds in cities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1413/18]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1776 and 1777 together.
My Department intends to publish updated Development Plans: Guidelines for Planning Authorities shortly for planning authorities in relation to their role in making Development Plans. The updated guidelines will consider the role of building height as part of a broad strategy to increase housing delivery and choice, through the use of more compact and diverse urban form, to assist in counteracting sprawl and promoting enhanced sustainability in meeting our strategic development needs, as highlighted in the draft National Planning Framework.
The updated guidelines will clarify suitable development contexts where higher density development (and in certain cases increased building height) is desirable, rather than proposing a blanket 'one size fits all' approach to building height. There is therefore no prescribed number of storeys likely to be recommended for new build developments in cities. This will instead be determined by planning authorities through Development Plans and Local Area Plans, in line with the criteria identified in the updated guidance.
I envisage that the Guidelines will be published in Q1 2018.
