That this Ard-Fheis recognises the need for careful planning of residential areas, with provision made in high-density housing areas to ensure adequate parking facilities, sound-proofing, privacy and protection from anti-social behaviour. (Sallins Cumann, Kildare North)

Opening

Minister, Teachta Daila, Senators, A delgaidi, etc etc,

Intro

Modern society sees concentration of population around our capital cities and similar conglomerations around our other urban centres.

To meets the demands of housing accommodation within concentrated areas many developments have embarked upon a high density model with X units to an acre for example to maximise use of space and deliver affordable housing within confines of space and location.

Delegates however I now call for a review of planning guidelines and a concerted effort to ensure quality of housing is not allowed to suffer under pressures of rapid development.

Many issues emerge from our recent residential developments.

In some cases parking facilities are found to be inadequate. Complaints, Lorries, truck bays.

Sound-proofing is another significant issue that is frequently raised. Too often shortcuts in construction lead to technical faults in barrier walls which lead to unacceptable levels of noise pollution in many modern homes.

Privacy is always a challenge in high density developments. Open plan developments are becoming common on newer estates as private gardens are replaced with shared spaces and…

I believe this is contrary to the Irish psyche. As if proof were even needed for Irish obsession with land the success of allotment scheme Naas UDC…

In this scenario incidents of anti-social behaviour can be magnified and in the absence of adequate planning safeguards can lead to a Darwinist society

Confusion over standards, leniency over implementation

I believe revised planning protocols are now necessary to address these issues.

Parking – Lorry Bays

Sound Proofing – Proper controls, enforcement and inspection

Houses built in 70’s this not an issue

Open Spaces – proper delineation of boundaries