Madam, - Kevin Nowlan (Opinion, October 4th) criticises Dublin City Council for voting to stop institutional lands being released for development. Mr Nowlan is referring to motions I submitted in relation to land zoned for "long-term institutional use" (Z15) in the Dublin City Draft Development Plan.
In the past, the "consideration for residential use" on Z15 lands has been a back-door way of getting planning permission for large developments which are contrary to the intentions of this zoning. The councillors voted to close this much abused back-door.
Another land use category (Z12) specifically provides for and anticipates residential development of institutional lands. To quote the plan: "These are lands the majority of which are in institutional use, which could possibly be developed for other uses such as residential." If landowners or their representatives have a compelling argument in favour of residential development on institutional land they can request a change from Z15 to Z12 from the council.
Councillors are acutely aware of the need to increase housing stock, and so we asked the planning officials to identify where the new housing units required during the lifetime of the plan (2005 - 2011) could be accommodated. The planners advised that over 41,000 housing units could be sited on lands zoned for residential (Z1, Z2 and others) and on institutional lands for development (Z12).
The long-term institutional lands (Z15) on which Mr Nowlan is urging us to build do not need to be developed to reach the required housing numbers.
The proper planning and development of our capital city requires that essential services and facilities be maintained and promoted. There is already severe pressure on schools, hospitals and sports facilities. If we allow more apartment blocks to be built on lands that are currently school sports grounds, where will the new residents, as well as existing residents, send their children to school and play?
The debate at the City Council meeting on what types of residential development should be allowed on Z15 lands was extensive. We voted for "social and affordable housing, sheltered housing and other residential for community and institutional purposes" as being consistent with the intention of this zoning. The City Council does not expect developers and their advisers to be overjoyed at this decision, but it does put a proper structure on how development will occur in our city and restores credibility to the zoning objectives. - Yours, etc.,
Cllr WENDY HEDERMAN,
(Progressive Democrats),
City Hall,
Dublin 2.