Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 November 2019
565. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government his views on the requirement for allotments to be provided with new housing developments being incorporated into the planning system here in view of the community interest in same and the benefits in terms of sustainability and self-sufficiency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46019/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraPolicy objectives in relation to the provision of allotments are already incorporated into the Irish planning system. Part I of the First Schedule to the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended, (the Act) sets out purposes for which objectives may be indicated in a Development Plan.
This part of the Act specifically provides for "Reserving land for use and cultivation as allotments and regulating, promoting, facilitating or controlling the provision of land for that use".
It is matter for local elected members of City and County Councils, in determining their Development Plans to decide whether to reserve land in accordance with Part 1 of the First Schedule to the Act.
City and County Development Plans must provide a strategic framework for the proper planning and sustainable development of the administrative area of the local authority and must be consistent with longer term planning and sustainable development aims, including those in the National Planning Framework (NPF).
This means that City and County Plans must carefully balance key principles such as securing compact and sustainable urban growth, which means reusing previously developed ‘brownfield’ land, building up infill sites and either reusing or redeveloping existing sites and buildings, in well serviced urban locations with also providing for amenities and the promotion of healthy communities and lifestyle choices, which may be facilitated by the provision of allotments, at some locations.
