The Council recognises that parking pressures have emerged in a number of existing housing estates and on public roads adjoining newer residential developments. The SDCC Traffic team have ongoing engagement with elected members, residents, resident representative groups, developers, management companies and an Garda Síochána in relation to parking pressures in housing estates and on public roads.

The provision of parking within new multi-unit residential developments is assessed in accordance with National, Regional and County Development Plan parking standards. The level of parking permitted for individual developments is determined having regard to these standards, the nature and scale of the proposed development, the proximity of high frequency public transport services, and the accessibility of essential residential amenities such as schools, neighbourhood centres, healthcare facilities and employment locations.

In recent years, National planning policy has sought to promote sustainable travel patterns and reduce dependence on private car use, particularly in locations that benefit from good public transport accessibility. Consequently, parking provision in newer residential developments is considered as part of a balanced transport strategy that supports walking, cycling and public transport usage. Sustainable parking provision is set by planning condition on all multi-unit residential developments and the Council also encourages the provision of car share schemes in multi-unit developments.

While parking provision in new residential developments is determined through the planning process having regard to prevailing planning policy and standards, the Council acknowledges that concerns have been raised regarding the operation of parking standards in certain newer developments. During the NPF Variation process, a new objective has been added to the County Development Plan, namely "To carry out a review, including public consultation, of the implementation of car parking policy, including provision, management and ancillary infrastructure within the context of the Sustainable Residential and Compact Settlement Guidelines (or as may be superseded). The review to consider necessary and appropriate parking levels for dwellings including one car parking space per dwelling." This review will be commenced by the Council in Q1 2027. 

In addition, the Council is examining medium-term approaches to managing parking demand and parking provision across the County. To support this work, SDCC have engaged Transport Consultants to undertake a methodology study on Sustainable Transport Buildings. These buildings are intended to provide a new generation of mobility infrastructure and are being examined as part of a strategic approach to supporting sustainable travel choices, shared mobility services and area-based parking management. The study comprises five stages, with the initial stages completed and work now progressing on design guidance, typologies and design principles. The study will assist the Council in developing a more strategic and coordinated approach to parking provision and management across existing and future communities.