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Planning Issues.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 8 November 2006

Wednesday, 8 November 2006

Ceisteanna (54, 55)

Ivor Callely

Ceist:

36 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the measures in place and under consideration to help improve the quality of life for people residing in the greater Dublin area, particularly the northside; the progress made for more integrated approach to planning, housing supply and development, transport, health and social services and other such key infrastructure provision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36440/06]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Séamus Pattison

Ceist:

44 Mr. Pattison asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will review planning legislation and guidelines to ensure that adequate facilities and infrastructure are always included in residential development; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36520/06]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 36 and 44 together.

Establishing sustainable communities with a good quality of life is a key objective for my Department, and is being pursued through a range of policies and measures, which complement other Departments' and agencies' programmes.

The Planning and Development Act 2000 which sets the legislative framework for the planning system requires that a development plan set out an overall strategy for the proper planning and sustainable development of an area. Section 10(2)(d) of the Act specifies that the development plan shall include objectives zoning of land provision of infrastructure and for the integration of planning with the social, community and cultural requirements of the area and its population. Under the provisions of Section 11(3)(c), planning authorities are required to be pro-active in consulting service and infrastructure providers, including education, to ascertain their long-term plans and needs for the provision of services in the area.

To assist planning authorities in formulating and implementing such plans, my Department is finalising Guidelines for Planning Authorities on Development Plans, following an extensive public consultation process. These guidelines emphasise the importance within such plans of creating a clear strategic framework for the proper planning and sustainable development of the relevant area.

In addition, Guidelines for Planning Authorities on Residential Density which were published in 1999 and are now in the process of being reviewed and updated, set out the basis on which locations appropriate for higher residential densities may be identified, the range of varying densities appropriate to different locations and the controls and safeguards to be addressed in promoting such development. The new guidelines are being expanded to take account of changing population and settlement patterns and the extensive experience built up since the introduction of the 1999 guidelines in the design, assessment and development of higher density proposals.

Furthermore, the policy document, Housing Policy Framework: Building Sustainable Communities, was approved by the Government and published in December 2005. This sets out an agenda for an integrated package of housing policy initiatives, including supporting higher densities and compact urban settlement through quality design in the creation of new homes, new urban spaces and new neighbourhoods.

My Department has and will continue to consult and co-operate with other relevant Departments and planning authorities to ensure that the planning process facilitates the strategic provision of key supporting facilities and services that support sustainable communities.

I am satisfied that the existing planning legislation, particularly in relation to development plans and local area plans, and supporting guidance sufficiently underpin this policy approach.

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