Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 3 November 2020
629. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he or his officials have had discussions with local authorities individually or collectively regarding encouraging increased density in housing developments; if so, the number of meetings and contacts and with which local authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33296/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt is a key objective of Project Ireland 2040, which includes the National Planning Framework (NPF), to encourage a shift in the pattern and format of future development towards more compact urban growth, as a mechanism to support proper planning and sustainable development and as a measure to address climate change. The National Planning Framework is endorsed in the current Programme for Government, which also includes a commitment towards a ‘town centre first’ principle, in support of more balanced regional and rural development.
Rather than introduce new or increased requirements, both the NPF and the Programme for Government underpin pre-existing requirements for residential density. The National Planning Framework restates the commitment to implement statutory planning guidelines on Sustainable Residential Development in Urban Areas, published by my Department in 2009.
The Guidelines on Sustainable Residential Development in Urban Areas generally require densities in the range of 35-50 dwellings per hectare (dph) on outer suburban/greenfield sites. The Guidelines also provide scope for densities below 35 dph on more peripheral sites in smaller towns and villages, in particular to assist in delivering more sustainable alternatives to dispersed rural housing. These requirements have been established Government policy for a significant period of time, dating back to the late 1990’s.
My Department continues to have ongoing engagement with the Local Authority sector, including individual local authorities, on a wide range of policy issues, including those relating to planning, which may from time-to-time include residential density. However, as policy on this issue is long established, the focus of engagement with local authorities is on the broad implementation of national policy and not on individual developments or development proposals.
It is noted in particular, that the assessment of individual planning applications is carried out on a case-by-case basis by planning authorities and An Bord Pleanála in accordance with the requirements of the Planning and Development Act 2000, having regard to planning guidance and other relevant factors. Section 30 of the Planning Act precludes the Minister from exercising any power or control in relation to any particular case with which planning authorities and An Bord Pleanála may be concerned.
