Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 May 2023
395. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will provide an update on the proposed policy to help protect and provide more allotments and community gardens in Ireland; if he will provide a timeline for when the policy is expected to be implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25926/23]
View answerThe 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.
My Department is currently preparing updated guidance for planning authorities on Sustainable and Compact Settlements that will update policy in relation to the creation of more compact and integrated forms of development in cities, towns and villages in order to meet population growth in a more sustainable manner. A consultation paper published on my Department’s website on 30 March 2023 set out the proposed policy approach and invited submissions in relation to the proposed policy approach.
A total of 77 submissions were received in response to the consultation paper. A range of issues were raised including issues relating to the form, design and quantum of public open space within new communities. The submissions will inform the finalisation of the draft guidelines which will be subject to a further period of consultation in due course.
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 allow for the identification of 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.
The draft Planning and Development Bill 2022 was published in January and the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Housing, Local Government and Heritage went through a significant pre-legislative scrutiny process on it over the months of February and March. Their report, which was received at the start of May, contains more than 150 recommendations, including a number relating to allotments. These recommendations are being carefully considered as officials from my Department work closely with other Departments and the Office of Parliamentary Counsel to ready the Bill for publication. I can confirm that allotments will be provided for in the final Bill, in line with existing provisions.
The final Bill, when published, will be accompanied by an Explanatory Memorandum providing information on the provisions in the Bill and will highlight the rationale for any substantial changes made to the current Act. The Bill will then proceed before the Houses of the Oireachtas.
