Sustainable Residential Development in Urban Areas

established having regard to the existing geographical distribution of
childcare facilities and the emerging demographic profile of areas, in
consultation with city / county childcare committees. The location of
childcare facilities should be easily accessible by parents, and the
facility may be combined with other appropriate uses, such as places
of employment.
(c) Community Centres
4.6 Community centres can act as a focus in helping to create a vibrant
community, and their timely and accessible provision will contribute
to the quality of life to be enjoyed by the residents. There are a
number of approaches that can be taken by planning authorities to
ensure their provision. In South County Dublin in Adamstown, a
community facility of 150 sqm is required per 1000 dwellings, in
Fingal County Council the approach is to share community facilities
with the provision of education facilities, and agreements have been
entered into with the Department of Education. A more integrated
approach is being pursued by Waterford City Council in
Carrickpherish where a number of community facilities are proposed
to be shared and provided within a campus style environment.
Planning authorities will need to consider the provision of
community centres according to the particular circumstances. The
spatial planning of community centre provision will occur as a policy
at the development plan level following input from the community
section of the planning authority and can be further detailed at the
LAP level. Consideration should be given to locating community
centres beside, near, or integrated with other community facilities to
assist in generating / reinforcing the 'genus loci' of the area and to
assist in the facilities being accessible to all by walking or using
public transport thus promoting a steady stream of patronage which
will facilitate the operational viability of the centre. Development
contribution schemes can assist with funding new community
facilities.
(d) Healthcare facilities
4.7 Planning authorities should consult the Health Services Executive at
the development plan drafting stage in relation to the provision of
healthcare facilities in major new development areas. In addition
consideration should also be given to the variety of residential needs
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Planning Guidelines