COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF SDZ, LAPS AND PLANNING PROJECTS

Friday, January 26, 2018

MOTION NO. 97

MOTION: Councillor B. Bonner

This council agrees that at least one and a half parking spaces would be provided for each dwelling, even for apartments.  While it is good that serious efforts will be made to provide good public transport, the majority of people will also possess a vehicle and failure to provide adequate parking will cause serious problems. 

REPORT:

Response

The Draft Planning Scheme already provides for aspects of the subject motion in relation to ensuring sufficient provision of car parking. A widespread requirement for 1.5 spaces for all dwelling would, however, have implications in terms of achieving a sustainable mode split and the viability of the SDZ Planning Scheme in relation to a requirement for basement parking.

The Draft SDZ Planning Scheme seeks to minimise the number of car spaces and maximise their use within the SDZ lands in order to promote sustainable travel patterns. Car parking for the key land uses in Clonburris are required to be provided in accordance with the standards set out under the South Dublin County Council Development Plan 2016 –2022.

The South Dublin County Council Development Plan 2016 –2022 sets out Zone 1 parking standards with higher maximums for general areas of the County (1 to 2 spaces per dwelling) and Zone 2 parking standards for town/village centres and areas within 800 metres of a train station or 400 metres or a high quality bus service (0.75 to 1.5 spaces per dwelling.

The Transport Assessment and Strategy that accompanies the Draft Planning Scheme has carried out an assessment of the proposed car parking standards based on projected parking demand and an Accessibility Assessment. Further to the findings of the Transport Assessment and Strategy, the planning scheme applies Zone 2 parking standards to areas of the SDZ lands that will have high accessibility levels and Zone 1 parking standards to all other areas.

The assessment indicates that the parking standards will be more than sufficient to cater for the parking needs of the Planning Scheme. Furthermore, utilising DMURS guidance on parking design, an examination of the spatial requirements under the Transport Assessment and Strategy concludes that the majority of parking can be met on-street thus reducing resource and urban design implications associated with basement parking. Any increase in parking standards would require more costly parking facilities in the form of basement parking etc., which will have implications in relation to the viability and affordability of residential development particularly apartment schemes.

This approach is consistent with the recommendations of the Guidelines on Sustainable Residential Development in Urban Areas (2009) and the National Transport Authority’s Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area 2016-2035, which seeks to implement maximum parking standards that reflect proximity to public transport and limit the availability of parking in urban centres to discourage car commuting. Furthermore, the Sustainable Urban Housing Design Standards for New Apartments Guidelines for Planning Authorities Drat Update (December 2017) advise that the car parking provision for apartments in locations that are well served by public transport such as the SDZ lands should be substantially reduced.

Notwithstanding the above and, further to the subject motion, a maximum of 1.5 or more car spaces are permissible for housing under the Draft Planning Scheme as follows:

• 1.5 spaces for 2 bedroom houses in Zone 1 areas;
• 1.5 spaces for 3 bedroom (or more) apartments in Zone 1 areas;
• 1.5 spaces for 3 bedroom (or more) houses in Zone 2 areas;
• 2 spaces for 3 bedroom (or more) houses in Zone 1 areas

The intent of the aspect of the proposed motion to ensure the sufficient provision of car parking has been fulfilled by the Draft Planning Scheme and no amendment to the Planning Scheme is required it this regard.

Recommendation

It is recommended that this motion is not adopted.

Strategic Environmental Assessment of Chief Executive’s Recommendation

No interaction with Strategic Environmental Objectives.

Appropriate Assessment Screening of Chief Executive’s Recommendation

No likely significant effects on European sites within the SDZ’s zone of influence are predicted.