Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 26 October 2017
36. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government his views on remarks by the chief executive officer of Dublin City Council regarding the use of Dublin’s green spaces to be considered for the development of housing; if he has issued guidelines to local authorities with regard to rezoning of public green spaces and amenities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45291/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe zoning of lands for particular uses is a reserved function of the elected members of a planning authority, in accordance with the statutory development plan procedures under the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended). Chapter 4 of the 2007 Development Plans Guidelines issued under section 28 of the Act provides a framework to be used when considering decisions on zoning as part of the development plan process.
I would not support the widespread development of new housing on established parks and open spaces in our cities and urban areas. These amenities are an integral part of the functioning and attractiveness of our communities and they provide a vital resource for sports and recreation activities. The Sustainable Residential Development in Urban Areas Planning Guidelines, issued by my Department in 2009, emphasise the importance of the role of open space in achieving quality residential neighbourhoods, where a wide variety of open space and recreational amenities are provided.
However, in certain limited circumstances, there may be a case for examining the functional and amenity value of certain areas of undeveloped land that may now be inappropriately zoned as open space because of practical factors such as prevalence of anti-social behaviour in areas that suffer from poor passive surveillance. I understand that this was the main issue raised recently by the Chief Executive of Dublin City Council. Such sites may be capable of use for smaller infill housing schemes which enhance local amenities without detriment to established and nearby public open spaces. Such proposals to amend local land use zoning objectives would, in any case, be considered by the elected members of the local authority as to the balance they strike in terms of securing orderly development, housing delivery and provision of local community open space facilities.
