CHO DNCC Submission in respect of the Material Alterations to the Dublin City Development Plan

HSE CHO DNCC are advocating for HSE representation within DCC on relevant working groups and steering committees including an Occupational Therapist representative in the Housing Grants section. We would also like to highlight the need to predict and monitor population growth and subsequent demand for health services at Community Health Network level, this planning will support Health Needs Analysis for Community Health Networks

HSE CHO DNCC encourage the addition of the following "

• The provision of children’s playing facilities that encompass local and public places and spaces for play that are accessible and inclusive for children and young people of all ages, abilities and socio-economic backgrounds
• The provision of children’s playing facilities in new residential developments

CHO DNCC ratify the commitment to provision of housing for older people, people with disabilities and those with dementia. CHO DNCC welcome the integration of healthcare facilities in accessible locations and the commitment to supporting the Health Service Executive and other statutory, voluntary and private agencies in the provision of appropriate healthcare, as well as the focus on healthy placemaking, social inclusivity, improved social infrastructure and commitment to providing high quality living environments. 

HSE CHO DNCC propose the inclusion of "towards universal healthcare" after 2021-2023 prioritises two reform programmes for implementation including improving safe, timely access to care, promoting health and well-being and addressing health inequalities- 

CHO DNCC propose the addition of the following in relation tourism initiatives/events   "events promoting physical activity, sport, exercise and positive mental health are increasingly supported across DCC and healthy food options are available at all events. Sponsorships for these events should not be accepted from high sugar and high fat food outlets (e.g energy drinks). Events should be delivered within environments that promote health and are smoke-free. Events should not promote or endorse the use of alcohol and promote health protective behaviours: e.g. sun safety, positive sexual health. The smokefree policy should be extended to outdoor dining areas to protect people from the dangers of secondhand smoke,  reduce tobacco litter and protect the environment.

HSE CHO DNCC promote the plan considers the re-development of vacant units as social enterprise or community hubs for health and wellbeing activities.

HSE CHO DNCC endorse the material alteration and propose the addition of the following points: 

• Better cost-effective connectivity and movement at reasonable frequencies throughout the day to enable greater ease of use of healthcare services and support timely access to preventative care provided by mental health, primary care and disability services.
• Provision of Smoke-free active travel routes particularly on active travel routes to schools, youth clubs, family resource centres etc. and monitoring of same 

HSE CHO DNCC are supportive of this material alteration and propose the addition of 

• Provision of smoke free active travel routes particularly on active travel routes to educational facilities, youth clubs, family resource centres etc. and policing of same. 

HSE CHO DNCC fully endorse the provision of children’s playing facilities that encompass local and public places and spaces for play that are accessible and inclusive for children and young people of all ages, abilities and socio-economic backgrounds and the provision of children’s playing facilities in new residential developments. The following should be considered in the provision of children’s play facilities:

• Creating more accessible age appropriate and disability appropriate recreation areas to cater for targeted ages and abilities such as skate parks, multi-use games areas, adaptable equipment, outdoor gym equipment, and early years playgrounds in areas based on community need.
• Supporting Interaction between young and old and across cultures: the creation of sustainable community spaces that facilitate intergenerational interaction, for example, by providing facilities for longer dwell times and a mix of active and contemplative public spaces. Activities that foster exchange, such as community gardening, can also help reduce isolation among the elderly and increase compassion and empathy among the young.
• Spending time together for longer: Development of areas  that have facilities including places to rest and shelter, toilets, water fountains and food outlets (serving healthier food options) encourage the wider community to dwell and enjoy the space. Combining this provision with high-quality playable space encourages families to bring children outdoors and spend longer outdoors.
• Designing walking routes and pedestrian areas to encompass play, arts and community information with careful consideration for the design of routes to school.
• Making the roads safer in residential areas by enforcing a speed limit or through placement of ramps.
• Providing secure places to lock bikes and scooters beside playgrounds, libraries, shops and public areas. 
• Consideration for open spaces to promote informal play and interaction include street art, climbable objects, play streets temporarily closed to traffic.
• Provision of local opportunities for the avoidance of drug/alcohol use and antisocial behaviour through the design and commissioning of novel and innovative solutions in partnership with stakeholders such as Foroige, CYPSC, LSP, community development organisations.
• Provision and promotion of smoke free outdoor policies and the policing of same to protect people and ecosystems.
• Provision of local opportunities for the avoidance of drug/alcohol use and antisocial behaviour through the design and commissioning of novel and innovative solutions in partnership with stakeholders such as Foroige, CYPSC, LSPs, community development organisations.