Report on Multi-Unit Developments - Law Reform Commission

general implementation. The Commission notes that, under section 29 of the
Planning and Development Act 2000, the Minister may issue policy directives to
planning authorities regarding any of their functions under the 2000 Act and that
planning authorities must comply with any such directives in the performance of
their functions. The Commission considers that it would be desirable for the
national planning guidelines to be given this status but appreciates that this may
require considerable assessment of policy matters within the Department. The
Commission considers that, to the extent it is practicable; this should be given
urgent consideration. Accordingly the Commission recommends that, insofar as
it is practicable, the 2008 draft planning guidelines Sustainable Residential
Development in Urban Areas should be given the status of a Ministerial policy
directive under section 29 of the Planning and Development Act 2000.
1.09 The Commission recommends that, insofar as it is practicable, the
2008 draft planning guidelines Sustainable Residential Development in Urban
Areas should be given the status of a Ministerial policy directive under section
29 of the Planning and Development Act 2000.
1.10 In the course of this study, some aspects of the physical nature of
apartments have come to light which the Commission believes require further
assessment. Three key areas which the Commission believes have potential for
review are: the size and quality of design of new units; the quality of materials
used in new developments; and the provision of facilities and amenities by local
authorities to ensure the development of the community and a high quality of
living environment for all residents. The Commission fully acknowledges that
these are largely matters of policy and it raises these issues in the knowledge
that they are being addressed in a proactive manner at national and local
government level.
(1) Size and quality of design of new units
1.11 Increasingly, and particularly in urban areas, apartments are now
viewed as long-term residences by many unit owners. In the Consultation Paper
the Commission noted, however, that the majority of new apartments are one or
two-bedroomed and are commonly viewed as a short-term option as a starting
point on the property ladder or as an investment. Consequently, the populations
of many multi-unit developments tend to be relatively transient, and it was noted
that this has negative implications for longer term development and
sustainability of communities, particularly in the context of potential
‗ghettoisation‘ of localities. 16
1.12 Since the publication of the Consultation Paper, many developments
have contributed to ameliorating this problem. For example Dublin City Council
16
(LRC CP 42-2006) para 2.04.
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