Olivia Mitchell
Ceist:178 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the proposals he has had for the creation of strategic development zones; and the number which have been designated. [14396/01]
Written Answers. - Strategic Development Zones.
The Government announced in Action on Housing agreement to the use of designating strategic development zones, SDZs, under Part IX of the Planning and Development Act, 2000, to secure significant residential development in key areas. Subsequently my Department wrote to those local authorities in the area covered by the strategic planning guidelines for the greater Dublin area, the other county boroughs and their surrounding counties and to Louth and Westmeath County Councils seeking proposals for suitable large scale residential development sites that could be considered for designation as SDZs. Proposals were received from Cork, Fingal, Louth, Meath, South Dublin, Westmeath and Wicklow County Councils and Dublin and Waterford Corporations seeking the designation of a total 25 sites. Following an evaluation of the 25 sites suggested, I approved 11 sites for further consideration in October last. Additional information was sought from the local authorities and a detailed evaluation of the shortlisted sites is being finalised. It is my intention that the Government will be in a position to designate the first tranche of SDZs for residential development shortly.