Róisín Shortall
Ceist:
671. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his attention has been drawn to the recommendations in a report by an organisation (details supplied); his views on same; the steps that he is taking to support the growth of community gardens and allotments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44186/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Róisín Shortall
Ceist:
672. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he intends to introduce a national policy on allotments and community gardens and update existing legislation in this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44187/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra
I propose to take Questions Nos. 671 and 672 together.
The information requested is being compiled and will be forwarded to the Deputy in accordance with Standing Orders.
The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 51
The identification and implementation of recreational and amenity spaces at a regional and city scale is a matter for regional assemblies and local authorities, through the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategies (including Metropolitan Area Spatial Plans) and City/County Development Plans. Section 7.2 of the Development Plan Guidelines (2022) - Mandatory Objective: Amenities (Development) states that ‘when assessing the local requirements for amenities, planning authorities should provide a clear evidence base for amenities policies’ including existing demand, the anticipated demand generated by programmed new development and any gaps in provision that exist/may occur.
The provision of allotments is addressed within the Sustainable Residential Development in Urban Areas (2009), issued as Ministerial Guidance within the meaning of Section 28 of the Planning and Development Act (as amended). Section 4.18 - Recommended Qualitative Standards – refer to the need for a focus on the quality of public open space and the activities which take place therein in addition to addressing the reasonable expectations of users. This includes the consideration of allotments and community gardens, noting that they are of particular value in higher density areas. Local authorities must ‘have regard’ to these Section 28 Guidelines when carrying out their strategic planning or development management functions.
In terms of planning, providing, enabling and supporting allotments, legislation is in place in the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended) and the Local Government Act 2000 (as amended) to identify locations in development plans for allotment development, and to establish allotments as a part of local government’s role in promoting the interests of local communities. Identifying land for allotment development in a development plan is a reserved function of the elected members in considering and making the plan, while the provision of allotment or similar facilities on local authority land is a matter for each individual local authority including their elected members and is subject to availability of resources and community inputs and support for such proposals.
A framework for provision of allotments or community gardens by local authorities and other interested parties is contained in existing legislation and guidance. Having regard to these provisions, it is not considered that amendment to existing legislation is required at this time.
Question No. 672 answered with Question No. 671.
