Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 3 Mar 1999

Vol. 501 No. 4

Written Answers. - Urban Renewal Schemes.

Phil Hogan

Ceist:

111 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if it has been drawn to his attention that many urban renewal schemes in the past have not resulted in good planning and development in certain urban areas; his views in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6379/99]

Minister for the Environment and Local Government (Mr. Dempsey)

In the first instance, urban renewal schemes are subject to the normal planning process, both in the context of preparation and adoption of development plans by planning authorities and, in the case of individual projects, the requirement to obtain planning approval.

These schemes have been very successful in regenerating many run down areas in towns and cities around the country and have led to investment totalling £2.5 billion in the areas designated under the schemes. The schemes have also featured many outstanding examples of well planned and designed projects around the country. However, there has been a recognition that the standard of architectural and urban design has been of mixed quality; this was borne out in the findings of the KPMG study on the urban renewal schemes published in 1996.

In 1996 my Department issued guidelines aimed at improving the standard and mix of apartments being provided in designated areas under the last urban renewal scheme. The guidelines covered site planning, communal facilities and amenities, internal design and layout, apartment size, etc.

On foot of recommendations made in the KPMG study, a new approach was adopted for future schemes. This involved the preparation of integrated area plans prepared by local authorities with widespread public consultation and involvement. One of the main benefits of the IAP approach on which the new urban renewal scheme is based is that it provides an intermediate level of planning between the broad objectives of the development plan and the detail of development control. My Department prepared a set of detailed guidelines on IAPs which dealt with urban design, archaeology, conservation and other aspects of good planning and development.

The IAP approach should make a significant improvement in the quality of planning under the new urban renewal scheme and my Department is currently developing detailed monitoring guidelines for local authorities aimed at ensuring that the integrated values underpinning the scheme are maintained in its implementation.