Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 9 November 2023
103. Deputy Brian Leddin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage further to Parliamentary Question No. 297 of 10 October 2023, if he will report on the progress of the TOD Working Group in producing the report on transport-oriented development opportunities in limerick; the timetable of the assessment process and publication of the report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49058/23]
View answerMy Department and the Department of Transport (DoT) jointly established a working group in December 2021 under ‘Housing for All’ to consider opportunities for Transport Orientated Development (TOD) in major urban centres. The group comprises membership from my Department, DoT, the National Transport Authority (NTA) and the Land Development Agency (LDA).
Transport Orientated Development (TOD) is a form of urban development that seeks to maximise the provision of housing, employment, public services and leisure space in close proximity to frequent, high quality transport services.
The first report from this Working Group, which looked at TOD opportunities in Dublin, was published on the 23 June 2023 on my Department’s website and I will arrange for the relevant weblink to be circulated with the official record. The report details 14 optimum locations for the phased delivery of approx. 130,000 residential units and mixed-use development. These areas are all close to existing or planned high-capacity public transport hubs.
The Working Group is now focussing on opportunities for TOD in the Eastern Region (Kildare, Meath, Wicklow and Louth) and in the cities of Cork, Limerick, Galway and Waterford. Following the completion of engagement with local authorities and key infrastructure providers, reports similar to that published in respect of the four Dublin authorities will be prepared. It is envisaged that the reports will be completed by the end of Q1 2024.
This work will help to inform Government policy and initiatives in support of the National Strategic Outcomes of the National Planning Framework, in particular relating to Compact Growth, Sustainable Mobility and Transition to a Low Carbon and Climate Resilient Society.
