Draft guidelines that could see new housing developments limited to one parking space per household reflect “best practice” within the industry.
That’s according to Irish Planning Institute Vice President Gavin Lawlor, who said the proposals are already the reality in some parts of Dublin.
The rule aims to boost housing density and would only apply to new homes built in urban areas with good access to public transport.
It would also limit the size of a new build’s garden as well.
“In terms of the general principles of [the draft guidelines], I don’t see a lot of change in terms of what the norm would be considered best practice at the moment,” Mr Lawlor told Newstalk Breakfast.
“In terms of the open space and in terms of the car parking, I don’t think that’s such a bad idea - if you’re in a good area where the Government has invested significantly in public transport and that public transport is available.”
A new build housing estate in Donegal Town, County Donegal, IrelandIf implemented, the rule would apply to developments in Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Galway and Waterford.
In rural areas, the draft guidelines suggest two car parking spaces per household would be appropriate.
It means developers in smaller Irish cities could operate under norms typical for inner city Dublin.
“Within the canals, in certain areas, Dublin City Council wouldn’t consider a minimum garden size of between six and eight square metres per bed space," Mr Lawlor said.
“There are many examples of that in Dublin city centre - of very small houses, one and two bedrooms with limited garden sizes.”
Homelessness in Ireland is currently at record levels and Housing Minister Darragh O'Brien has said the solution is to boost supply.
Main image: Housing estate.
