Phil Hogan
Ceist:146 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the status of the residential density guidelines document. [23773/99]
Written Answers. - Residential Densities.
I published guidelines for planning authorities on residential density in September 1999. The guidelines set out in a detailed manner the locations appropriate for higher residential densities, the range of densities appropriate to various locations and the need to achieve a high quality of residential environment.
It is through the development plan and the exercise of their development control functions that planning authorities can take effective action to achieve higher levels of residential density. I have asked planning authorities to review and vary their development plans to give full effect to the recommendations and policies contained in the guidelines. I have indicated to planning authorities that this review should be completed within one year, i.e. by end of September 2000.
The local authorities and An Bord Pleanála have been advised that the guidelines are policies to which planning authorities under section 7(1) of the Local Government Act 1991 and An Bord Pleanála under section 5 of the Local Government (Planning and Development) Act 1976 are obliged to have regard.