Report on Multi-Unit Developments - Law Reform Commission

the context for such a study is markedly different now, but that it is appropriate
to reiterate the recommendation in this <strong>Report</strong>. Given the work already done at
local authority and Departmental level recently, the Commission recommends
that this study would form part of the work leading to the final guidelines being
developed within the Department as the lead State agency with responsibility
for sustainable planning.
1.57 As already discussed, planning authorities have a number of different
enforcement mechanisms of varying severity at their disposal, allowing them
flexibility in ensuring that planning conditions are met. It is unclear to what
extent these mechanisms are used consistently throughout the State. In this
respect, the Commission has also concluded that a general review of the
efficacy of the enforcement mechanisms open to planning authorities would be
an appropriate adjunct to the general study.
1.58 The Commission recommends that a study be conducted by the
Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government with a view to
developing a focused and sustainable planning strategy for the multi-unit
development sector in the wider context of the preparation of national planning
guidance for planning authorities. The Commission also recommends that the
study should include a review of the effectiveness of enforcement mechanisms
under the planning legislation as applied to multi-unit developments.
Development in Urban Areas and the companion document Urban Design
Manual: A Best Practice Guide (both February 2008).
40