Chapter 7 - Housing

7 Housing                                       

This Draft LAP aims to balance the provision of good quality housing that meets the needs of a diverse population, in a way that makes the Southern Environs an attractive and inviting place to live now and in the future. To meet the housing needs of the Southern Environs is an important element of this plan. Adequate housing provision is essential for the creation of an environment to attract business and enterprise to the Metropolitan Area and this plan provides the quantum of zoned lands to meet this demand. The quantum of zoned lands is in compliance with the population targets set out under the the National Planning Framework, the Implementation Roadmap for the NPF and the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy as outlined in Chapter 5 of this Draft LAP.

The Limerick Shannon MASP supports a sequential approach with a primary focus on the consolidation of development, within or contiguous to the existing built up and zoned area of Limerick City and Suburbs. This LAP places a strong emphasis on providing high quality residential developments, through intensification and consolidation of the existing built envelope of the Environs, which presents significant housing development opportunities, through redevelopment of brownfield, infill and vacant sites.

The MASP recognises the potential for sustainable residential development in Mungret. In this regard, Limerick 2030 DAC has prepared a Masterplan for 42ha. of residential land at Mungret Park, including the former Mungret College and associated buildings. These strategic residential lands have the potential to yield approximately 1,950 no. dwelling units. Further details in relation to this Masterplan are set out under Chapter 8 of this LAP.

As set out under the Core Strategy of this LAP a number of sites have been identified, which are served by infrastructure and located in close proximity to public transport and are suitable for higher density developments.

7.3 Density and Housing Type 

Government policy outlined in Sustainable Residential Development in Urban Areas: Guidelines for Planning Authorities (DECHG, 2009) and Urban Development and Building Heights: Guidelines for Planning Authorities (DHP&LG, 2018) state that land is a scarce resource and should be managed efficiently. These guidelines set out a range of appropriate densities for different site locations having regard to the level of transport available.

As a general principle, higher densities and mixed-use developments must be targeted in areas where opportunities exist for sustainable transport provision, and in a manner that better aligns the provision of transport with demand. Public Transport Orientated Development is development which is consolidated around existing or planned along high frequency bus corridors, at a magnitude and density that provides a critical mass to support the viability of high capacity public transport.

On brownfield, infill and greenfield sites within 800m of the University Hospital and Raheen Business Park, and within 500m of a bus stop, the Planning Authority shall require densities in excess of 45 dwelling units per hectare. Where a proposed site exceeds the distance requirements above, a minimum density of 35 units per hectare shall be applied.

In order to ensure the delivery of a high quality housing mix in a sustainable manner, residential development will be required to:

• Ensure compliance with the Development Management Standards of the Limerick County Development Plan 2010 – 2016 (as extended) or any replacement thereof;

• Ensure compliance with the Specific Planning Policy Requirements of the Sustainable Urban Housing: Design Standards for New Apartments, Guidelines for Planning Authorities (2018), the Urban Development and Building Heights, Guidelines for Planning Authorities (2018) and any other relevant Section 28 Planning Guidelines;

• Consider the nature of the existing housing stock and social mix in the area and the need to create socially inclusive communities;

• Be delivered where homes and the appropriate supporting services including schools, childcare and other community services can be delivered more efficiently and effectively at least cost to the State in the long-run;

• Ensure all layouts prioritise walking and cycling, are fully permeable for pedestrians and cyclists to access a range of local services and enable the efficient provision of public transport services, helping to tackle climate change;

• Consolidate existing development and increase existing residential density, through a range of measures including reductions in vacancy, re-use of existing buildings, infill development schemes, area or site-based regeneration and increased building heights;

• Provide high density and mixed use development in central and easily accessible locations particularly along public transport corridors and at station nodal points;

• Provide a high-quality, accessible and safe public realm;

• Have an excellent standard of high quality design, layout and finish;

• Provide an appropriate mix of housing types and tenures catering for all members of society through all stages of the life cycle;

• Compliment the character of the Environs.

Figure 13: New Housing

The Southern Environs is considered suitable for apartment development subject to local determination, having regard to the proximity and accessibility provisions of the Sustainable Urban Housing: Design Standards for New Apartments – Guidelines for Planning Authorities (March 2018). The provision of apartments allows for greater diversity and flexibility in a housing scheme and an increase in overall density. Accordingly, apartments may be considered as part of a mix of housing types in a given housing development at any appropriate suburban location.

In accordance with the specific planning policy of the Sustainable Urban Housing: Design Standards for New Apartments – Guidelines for Planning Authorities (March 2018), the quantum of car parking or the requirement for any such provision for apartment developments will vary, having regard to the location broadly based on proximity and accessibility criteria as set out in the Guidelines.

The need for older persons’ dwellings, supported housing, Nursing Homes and residential care homes in the Environs is anticipated to grow into the future, by reason of a general aging of the population and the need to cater for those wishing to downsize and reside in proximity to services and amenities. These facilities should be integrated wherever possible into the established or planned residential areas, based on the principles of universal design and an age friendly public realm with seating, lighting, landscaping etc. Such facilities should be located within walking distance of shopping and other services, public transport and open space.

In accordance with the Limerick Regeneration Framework Implementation Plan 593 no. new dwelling units were to be delivered and 1,504 no. dwelling units upgraded across the areas of Moyross, Southill, Ballinacurra Weston and St. Mary’s Park.

A portion of the Southill Regeneration Area comes within the boundary of the Southern Environs Local Area Plan. Variation 6A of the Limerick City Development Plan 2010 – 2016 (as extended) includes comprehensive text and objectives in relation to the Regeneration Areas and should be read in tandem with this LAP. Any development proposed in the Regeneration Area of Southill shall be in accordance with the policies and objectives for Regeneration as set out under the Limerick City Development Plan 2010 – 2016 (as extended), or any replacement thereof.

The ongoing programme of social and economic initiatives are scheduled to be completed by 2023. However, there is a need for a long-term commitment to support continued social and economic regeneration of the most deprived areas of Limerick in the new Local Area Plan. An objective to this effect has been included below.

The design of residential schemes in close proximity to heavily trafficked road networks should have regard to the noise levels from such roadways. Developers should engage an acoustic specialist in the early design process for new residential developments in order to mitigate any negative impacts concerning noise.