Chapter 5: Quality housing and sustainable neighbourhoods

Material Alteration Reference Number 5.1

Chapter 5
Section: Section 5.2 Achievements
Page: 158, 2nd sentence of 1st paragraph

Amendment:

In the period since the adoption of the 2016 Plan, the city has seen a significant increase in the delivery of new housing with (7,078) {9,459} dwellings completed in the Dublin City Council area between (2016) {Q1 2017} and (mid-2020) {Q4 2021}.

Material Alteration Reference Number 5.2

Chapter 5
Section: 5.5.1 National and Regional Policy Context and the Housing Strategy
Page: 163, Policy QHSN2

Amendment:

Policy QHSN2 National Guidelines

To have regard to the DEHLG Guidelines on ‘Quality Housing for Sustainable Communities – Best Practice Guidelines for Delivering Homes Sustaining Communities’ (2007), ‘Sustainable Urban Housing: Design Standards for New Apartments’ (2020), ‘Sustainable Residential Development in Urban Areas’ and the accompanying ‘Urban Design Manual: A Best Practice Guide’ (2009), Housing Options for our Aging Population (2020) {2019, the Design Manual for Quality Housing (2022),} (and) the Design Manual for Urban Roads and Streets (DMURS) (2019) {the Urban Development and Building Height Guidelines for Planning Authorities (2018) and the Affordable Housing Act 2021 including Part 2 Section 6 with regard to community land trusts and/or other appropriate mechanisms in the provision of dwellings.}

Material Alteration Reference Number 5.3

Chapter 5
Section: 5.5.2 Regeneration, Compact Growth and Densification
Page: 164, insert new policy after Policy QHSN4, subsequent numbering to be amended accordingly

Amendment:

{Policy - Community Led Regeneration

It is the policy of Dublin City Council to ensure that regeneration of estates and communities will be planned with the needs of existing and future residents at the core.}

Material Alteration Reference Number 5.4

Chapter 5
Section: 5.5.2 Regeneration, Compact Growth and Densification
Page: 166, Policy QHSNO1

Amendment:

Objective QHSNO1 Land Development Agency

It is an Objective of Dublin City Council: That Dublin City Council will be the lead developer on City Council owned land, unless there are exceptional circumstances, and will work with other agencies including the Land Development Agency, to co-ordinate appropriate State owned land and the strategic assembly of public and private land to facilitate regeneration, housing and other developments. Priority will be given to social and affordable housing (tenure).

Material Alteration Reference Number 5.5

Chapter 5
Section: 5.5.2 Regeneration, Compact Growth and Densification
Page: 166, Objective QHSNO2 Lands at Alfie Byrne Road

Amendment:

Objective QHSNO2 Lands at Alfie Byrne Road

To undertake a land use and landscape masterplan for the underutilised lands located south east of Clontarf Road Railway station and railway line and fronting onto Alfie Byrne road to examine their potential for the following uses:

• suitable developments to provide overlooking of the route to Clontarf Road Railway station;
• upgraded coastal walkway linking to the Tolka River;
• {marine related leisure activities and} improved access and setting for the watersports centre;
• provision of new fire station;
• possible site for new second level school;
• {possible site for new skate park facility;}
• provision of new allotment and community gardens; and
• demarcation and preservation of a circus/funfair location for occasional use.

{The masterplan should recognise the role of some of these lands as a feeding ground for Brent Geese and also ensure that development is integrated with the Clontarf Promenade Development and Flood Protection scheme where appropriate.}

Material Alteration Reference Number 5.6

Chapter 5  
Section: 5.5.2 Healthy Placemaking and the 15-Minute City
Page: 167, 2^nd paragraph

Amendment:

In supporting the objectives of healthy placemaking, the Plan encourages the design of communities to support physical activity ({e.g.} (i.e.) via inclusion of cycle lanes and accessible {sport and} recreation areas{, and the protection of those already in situ}) in order to encourage residents to live healthier lives.

Material Alteration Reference Number 5.7

Chapter 5
Section: 5.5.3 Healthy Placemaking and the 15-Minute City
Page: 167-168

Amendment:

As outlined in the vision and introduction to the plan, a core objective of the plan is to promote the principle of the 15-minute city. The 15-minute city concept envisages that within 15 minutes on foot or bike from where they live, that people should have the ability to access most of their daily needs. {In order to realise the 15-minute city, it is envisaged that all new developments and existing neighbourhoods will require extensive investment in public transport, walking and cycling infrastructure and supporting measures, including retro-fitting and reconfiguration of established urban streets, and the Council supports measures in this regard.}

Material Alteration Reference Number 5.8

Chapter 5
Section: 5.5.3 Healthy Placemaking and the 15-Minute City
Page: 169, Policy QHSN10

Amendment:

Policy QHSN10 15-Minute City

It is the Policy of Dublin City Council to promote the (concept){realisation} of the 15-minute city which provides for liveable, sustainable urban neighbourhoods and villages throughout the city that deliver healthy placemaking, high quality housing and well designed, {intergenerational and accessible,} safe and inclusive public spaces served by local services, amenities(, sports facilities) and sustainable modes of {public and accessible} transport {where feasible}.

Material Alteration Reference Number 5.9

Chapter 5  
Section: 5.5.3 Healthy Placemaking and the 15-Minute City
Page: 170, Policy QHSN11, 2^nd bullet point

Amendment:

Policy QHSN11 Neighbourhood Development

• integrate active recreation and physical activity facilities {including community centres and halls as part of the 15-minute city};

Material Alteration Reference Number 5.10

Chapter 5
Section: 5.5.4 Social Inclusion
Page: 174, Policy QHSN15

Amendment:

Policy QHSN15 Accessible Built Environment

To promote built environments and outdoor shared spaces which are accessible to all. New developments must be in accordance with the seven principles of Universal Design as advocated by the National Disability Authority, Building For Everyone: A Universal Design Approach 2012 {and consistent with obligations under Article 4 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities}.

Material Alteration Reference Number 5.11

Chapter 5
Section: 5.5.4 Social Inclusion
Page: 174, Policy QHSN16

Amendment:

Policy QHSN16 Sustainable Neighbourhoods

It is the Policy of Dublin City Council to promote sustainable neighbourhoods which cater to the needs of persons in all stages of their lifecycle, {e.g.}(i.e.) children, people of working age, older people{, people living with dementia} and people with disabilities.

Material Alteration Reference Number 5.12

Chapter 5
Section: 5.5.4 Social Inclusion
Page: 175, New objective to be added after QHSNO8, subsequent objective numbering to be amended accordingly

It is the objective of Dublin City Council to:

{Objective - Autism Friendly or Neurodiversity Community Plans

Support and encourage the piloting of autism friendly or neurodiversity
community plans in partnership with all key stakeholders.}

Material Alteration Reference Number 5.13

Chapter 5
Section: 5.5.5 Housing for All
Page: 176

Amendment:

Policy QHSN21 Adaptable and Flexible Housing

It is the Policy of Dublin City Council: To ensure that all new housing is designed in a way that is adaptable and flexible to the changing needs of the homeowner as set out in the Lifetime Homes Guidance contained in Section 5.2 of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government’s ‘Quality Housing for Sustainable Communities – Best Practice Guidelines for Delivering Homes Sustaining Communities’ (2007) (.) {and the Universal Design Guidelines for Homes in Ireland 2015.}

Material Alteration Reference Number 5.14

Chapter 5
Section: 5.5.5 Housing for All, subheading Housing for People with Disabilities
Page: 177, 1st and 2nd paragraphs

Amendment:

Dublin City Council is committed to implementing the framework for the delivery of housing for persons with disabilities set out under the {‘National Housing Strategy for Disabled People 2022-2027'} (National Housing Strategy for People with Disability (2011-2016 - extended to 2020). In the strategy, the term ‘disability’ is used to refer to persons in one or more of the following categories (of disability): sensory disability, mental health {difficulties} (disability), physical disability and intellectual disability.

{The} (A new national strategy) National Housing Strategy for {Disabled People} (Persons with Disabilities) 2022-2027 {has been} (is being) developed with the objective of facilitating the provision of housing options and related services to people with disabilities, to allow individual choice and support independent living.

Material Alteration Reference Number 5.15

Chapter 5
Section: 5.5.5 Housing for All
Page: 178, Policy QHSN24

Amendment:

Policy QHSN24 Housing for People with Disabilities

It is the Policy of Dublin City Council: To support access, for people with disabilities, to the appropriate range of housing and related support services, delivered in an integrated and sustainable manner, which (promotes){facilitates} equality of (opportunity){outcome}, individual choice and independent living. To support the provision of specific purpose-built accommodation, including assisted/ supported living units, lifetime housing, and adaptation of existing properties.

Material Alteration Reference Number 5.16

Chapter 5
Section: 5.5.5 Housing for All
Page: 178

Amendment:

Objective QHSNO10 Universal Design

(It is an Objective of Dublin City Council: To require that a minimum of 10% of dwellings in all schemes over 100 units are designed to accommodate people with disabilities and older people in accordance with the Universal Design Guidelines for Homes in Ireland 2015.)
{It is an Objective of Dublin City Council: To ensure that 50% of apartments in any development that are required to be in excess of minimum sizes should be designed to be suitable for older people/mobility impaired people, people living with dementia and people with disabilities in accordance with the guidelines set out in the Universal Design Guidelines for Homes in Ireland 2015, the DHLG&H’s Design Manual for Quality Housing 2022 and the DHP&LG & DH’s Housing Options for Our Ageing Population Policy Statement 2019.} 

Material Alteration Reference Number 5.17

Chapter 5
Section: 5.5.5 Housing for All
Page: 179

Amendment:

Policy QHSN26 Homeless{ness} Action Plan Framework for Dublin 2019-2021

It is the Policy of Dublin City Council: To support the implementation of the Homeless{ness} Action Plan Framework for Dublin 2019-2021 or any subsequent review {and the Housing First National Implementation Plan 2022-2026} and support related initiatives to address homelessness.

Material Alteration Reference Number 5.18

Chapter 5
Section: 5.5.5 Housing for All
Page: 179 - New Policy to be inserted after Policy QHSN27, subsequent policy numbering to be amended accordingly

Amendment:

{Policy - Temporary Accommodation Located in the City Centre:

It is the Policy of Dublin City Council: To ensure a review of the existing provision of temporary/homeless accommodation in the City Centre, with a specific regard to Dublin 1, 7 and 9. The aim of which should be to reduce the overconcentration of services in those locations. There will also be a general presumption against the development and expansion of any new temporary/homeless accommodation services within Dublin 1, 7 and 8, including adaptation of tourist hostels and hotels, in acknowledgement of the existing concentration of such uses.}

Material Alteration Reference Number 5.19

Chapter 5
Section: 5.5.5 Housing for All, subheading Traveller Accommodation
Page: 179

Amendment:

The Traveller Accommodation Programme 2019-2024, identifies the requirement to provide or assist in the provision of over 200 units across a full range of accommodation types over the period of the programme. The Council will continue to address the provision of accommodation appropriate to the particular needs of Travellers through the implementation of the programme. {Further details relating to the provision of Traveller accommodation can be found in the current Dublin City TAP at https://www.dublincity.ie/sites/default/files/2021-02/dublin-city-council-traveller-accommodation-programme-2019-2024.pdf and a Map of Dublin City Council Traveller Group Housing Schemes and Traveller Halting Sites is set out in Appendix 1. Please contact traveller.accommodation@dublincity.iefor further information.}

Material Alteration Reference Number 5.20

Chapter 5
Section: 5.5.5 Housing for All, subheading Traveller Accommodation
Page: 180, Policy QHSN29

Amendment:

Policy QHSN29 Traveller Culture

To recognise {and support} the separate identity, culture, tradition and history of the Travelling people and to reduce the levels of disadvantage that Travellers experience.

Material Alteration Reference Number 5.21

Chapter 5
Section: 5.5.5 Housing for All, subheading Traveller Accommodation
Page: 180 - New Objective to be inserted after Policy QHSN29, subsequent objective numbering to be amended accordingly

Amendment:

{Objective - Dublin City Council Traveller Accommodation Programme 2019-2024

To secure the implementation of the Dublin City Council Traveller Accommodation Programme 2019-2024 (TAP), to provide a range of accommodation options for Travellers who normally reside in the Dublin City area and who wish to have such accommodation and to review and update this programme during the course of the Development Plan.}

Material Alteration Reference Number 5.22

Chapter 5
Section: 5.5.5 Housing for All, subheading Traveller Accommodation
Page: 180 - New Objective to be inserted after Policy QHSN29, subsequent objective numbering to be amended accordingly

Amendment:

{Objective - Traveller Accommodation

To provide over 200 units of traveller accommodation that meets the needs of the community.}

Material Alteration Reference Number 5.23

Chapter 5
Section: 5.5.7 Specific Housing Typologies, subheading Build to Rent (BTR) and Shared Accommodation
Page: 184-185

Amendment:

It is recognised that Build to Rent (BTR) serves an important role in meeting housing demand and can fill a gap in tenure mix in established areas of owner-occupier housing. Recent emerging trends however, would indicate that the dominance of BTR in large schemes can be to the detriment of {standard designed apartment} (build to sell) units. Whilst such development has its place in the hierarchy of provision of homes across the city, the Planning Authority will seek to avoid over proliferation of such use in certain areas and encourage such development as part of a healthy mix of tenure in order to create sustainable communities and neighbourhoods.

BTR should be concentrated (in prime inner-city areas and also) in areas of high intensity employment use, (such as within 500 metres walking distance of a high employment area i.e. more than 500 employees per hectare,) within 500m of major public transport interchanges ((e.g. Connolly Station, Tara Street Station and Heuston Station)) and within identified Strategic Development Regeneration(s Zones){Areas}. Furthermore, applications for BTR schemes should be required to demonstrate {how the development supports housing need, particularly with regard to tenure, unit size and accessibility with particular reference to the Dublin City Council Housing Need and Demand Assessment and} that there is not an over-concentration of Build to Rent Accommodation within an area, including a map showing all such facilities within {a 1km radius}((3km)) of a proposal. Such housing will be controlled in the interest of providing a mix of tenure and unit types. In assessing the matter of overconcentration, the Planning Authority will have regard to factors such as:

• the number and scale of other permitted BTR development in the vicinity {(within a 1km radius)}((3km))of the site,

• the household tenure and housing type of existing housing stock in the approximate vicinity {(within a 1km radius)}((3km)) of the site,

• and the proximity of the proposal to high capacity urban public transport stops and interchange (such as DART, Luas and BusConnects).

There will be a general presumption against large scale residential developments (in excess of 100 units) which comprise of 100% BTR typology. To ensure a sustainable mix of tenure and long term sustainable communities, a minimum of (40%) {60%} of standard build to sell apartments will be required in such instances. BTR schemes of less than 100 units will generally not be supported. The concept of Built to Rent requires a critical mass of accommodation to provide a meaningful provision of communal facilities and services. Smaller BTR schemes with less than 100 units will only be considered where it can be demonstrated that there is a strong need for the development and a detailed justification is provided.)

Material Alteration Reference Number 5.24

Chapter 5
Section: 5.5.7 Specific Housing Typologies, subheading Build to Rent (BTR) and Shared Accommodation
Page: 186, Policy QHSN38

Amendment:

Policy QHSN38 Build to Rent Accommodation

To facilitate the provision of Build to Rent (BTR) Accommodation in the following specific locations:

• (Within the Inner City (i.e. within the canal ring)).  
• Within 500 metre walking distance of a high employment area i.e. more than 500 employees per hectare.
• Within 500 metres of major public transport interchanges (e.g. Connolly Station, Tara Street Station and Heuston Station), and
• Within identified Strategic Development Regenerations Areas.

There will be a general presumption against large scale residential developments (in excess of 100 units) which comprise of 100% BTR typology. To ensure {there are opportunities for} a sustainable mix of tenure and long term sustainable communities, a minimum of (40%) {60%} of (standard build to sell apartments){units within a development must be designed as standard apartments in accordance with the requirements set out in the Sustainable Urban Housing: Design Standards for New Apartments, December 2020} (will be required in such instances). There will be a presumption against the proliferation and over concentration of BTR development in any one area. In this regard, applications for BTR developments should be accompanied by an assessment of other permitted {and proposed} BTR developments {within a} (in the vicinity) {1km}((3km)){radius} of the site to demonstrate:

• that the development would not result in the overconcentration of one housing tenure in a particular area and take into {account} (regard) the (geographical area) {location} of the {proposed} BTR.
• {how the development supports housing need, particularly with regard to tenure, unit size and accessibility with particular reference to the Dublin City Council Housing Need and Demand Assessment.

Material Alteration Reference Number 5.25

Chapter 5
Section: 5.5.7 Specific Housing Typologies, subheading Provision of Student Accommodation
Page: 188, Policy QHSN43

Amendment:

Policy QHSN43 Third-Level Student Accommodation

It is the Policy of Dublin City Council: To support the provision of high-quality, professionally managed and purpose-built third-level student accommodation in line with the provisions of the National Student Accommodation Strategy (2017), on campuses or in appropriate locations close to the main campus (, in the inner city) or adjacent to high-quality public transport corridors and cycle routes, in a manner which respects the residential amenity and character of the surrounding area, in order to support the knowledge economy. Proposals for student accommodation shall comply with the ‘Guidelines for Student Accommodation’ contained in the development standards chapter. There will be a presumption against allowing any student accommodation development to be converted to any other use during term time.

Material Alteration Reference Number 5.26

Chapter 5  
Section: 5.5.8 Social and Community Infrastructure   
Page: 191, Policy QHSN45

Amendment:

Policy QHSN45 High Quality Neighbourhood and Community Facilities

It is the Policy of Dublin City Council to encourage and facilitate the timely and planned provision of a range of high-quality neighbourhood and community facilities which are multifunctional in terms of their use, adaptable in terms of their design and located to ensure that they are accessible and inclusive to all. {To also protect existing community uses and retain them where there is potential for the use to continue.}

Material Alteration Reference Number 5.27

Chapter 5
Section 5.5.8 Social and Community Infrastructure
Page: 192

Amendment:

The government’s (2018) Sláintecare Plan (encourages the development and resourcing of ‘community healthcare’ which it identifies as the future direction of health and social care services in Ireland.){2021-2023 prioritises two reform programmes for implementation including improving safe, timely access to care, promoting health and well-being and addressing health inequalities.}

Material Alteration Reference Number 5.28

Chapter 5
Section: 5.5.8 Social and Community Infrastructure
Page: 193, Policy QHSN50

Amendment:

Policy QHSN50 Sláintecare Plan

It is the Policy of Dublin City Council: To support the Health Service Executive and other statutory, voluntary{,}(and ) private agencies {and community based services} in the provision of appropriate healthcare facilities - including the system of hospital care and the provision of community-based primary care facilities, mental health{, drug and alcohol services} and wellbeing facilities including Men’s Sheds - and to encourage the integration of healthcare facilities in accessible locations within new and existing communities in accordance with the government Sláintecare Plan.

Material Alteration Reference Number 5.29

Chapter 5
Section: 5.5.8 Social and Community Infrastructure, subsection Schools and Education
Page: 195, Policy QHSN51

Amendment:

Policy QHSN51 Education Provision

1. To support the provision of new schools and the expansion of existing school facilities having regard to the requirements of the DES.
2. {To protect and retain the entire curtilage of existing schools sites, including buildings, play areas, pitches and green areas, that may be required for the expansion of school facilities in the future, unless it has been determined in agreement with the Department of Education that the use of the site for school provision is no longer required}.
3. To support the ongoing development and provision of third level education, further education and lifelong learning in the city.

Material Alteration Reference Number 5.30

Chapter 5
Section: 5.5.8 Social and Community Infrastructure
Page: 197, 1^st paragraph

Amendment:

The Council will continue to work with the Dublin City Childcare Committee and the newly established childcare planning function within the Department of Children (and Youth Affairs){, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth} through the forward planning and development management processes in order to support the government’s objective to provide for sufficient high quality and affordable childcare services.

Material Alteration Reference Number 5.31

Chapter 5
Section: 5.5.8 Social and Community Infrastructure
Page: 199, Policy QHSN55

Amendment:

Policy QHSN55 Burial Grounds

To facilitate the development of new or extended burial grounds, including green cemeteries, eco-burial grounds {, crematoria, and} columbarium walls (and crematoria), having consideration for the burial preferences of multi-faith and non-religious communities, at suitable locations in the city, subject to appropriate safeguards with (regard to environmental considerations, noise and traffic impacts){regard to minimising environmental impacts.}

Material Alteration Reference Number 5.32

Chapter 5
Section: 5.5.8 Social and Community Infrastructure
Page: 199 - New Objective to be inserted after Policy QHSN58, subsequent objective numbering to be amended accordingly

Amendment:

New Objective

{Objective - Corpus Christi Parochial Hall, Drumcondra

It is an Objective of Dublin City Council: To protect and retain the Corpus Christi Parochial Hall as an important and necessary community amenity in Drumcondra.}