Vol. 553 No. 3
129 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if he will review his policy of high density housing and ensure that recreational, community and sporting facilities are put in place as part of future housing development here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14050/02]
My Department's guidelines for planning authorities on residential density, published in September 1999, set out the types of 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. The guidelines specifically provide that one of the criterion to be taken into account by planning authorities in considering applications for higher density housing development is the "provision of an appropriate scaled range of social and community facilities, including shopping, education, health and child care. Any planning applications for higher density development would be considered by planning authorities in the context of their development plans. Section 10 of the Planning and Development Act, 2000, provides that each development plan must contain objectives for, inter alia: the integration of the planning and sustainable development of the area with the social, community and cultural requirements of the area and its population; the preservation, improvement and extension of amenities and recreational amenities; and the provision, or facilitation of the provision, of services for the community, including, in particular, schools, crèches and other educational and child care facilities.
I am therefore satisfied that adequate safeguards are in place to ensure that a high quality residential environment is achieved in relation to all new higher density housing and I have no proposal at this time to review policy in this regard.
