asked the Minister for the Environment if he is aware of the Foras Forbartha publication Cost and Layout Regulations; Study Layouts, relating to the economic design and layout of housing estates; if he will bring its contents to the attention of all local authorities with particular reference to their engineering planning departments in order to ensure that the authorities apply an economic and cost efficient set of standards in relation to new housing developments in the private sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Written Answers. - Housing Development Standards.
227.
I am aware of this publication which, I understand, was presented at a number of conferences and seminars organised by An Foras Forbartha at various centres around the country. Both the conferences and seminars were, I am informed, attended in substantial numbers by relevant technical and administrative officers of local authorities who are, therefore, familiar with its contents and recommendations.
I am, of course, fully conscious of the importance of housing estate layouts which provide a good environment within the constraint of necessary cost limitations. Local authorities are actively encouraged by my Department to achieve good standards of layout in their own housing schemes. In so far as private housing schemes are concerned, they have adequate means available to them through the Development Plans and the operation of planning controls to ensure that similar standards are observed in such schemes.