News March April 2012

1. NATIONAL NEWS Quarries: Section 261A of the Planning and Development Act 2000 and related provisions: Guidelines for Planning Authorities A number of new legislative provisions in relation to quarries have recently been commenced. These provisions are contained chiefly in the Planning and Development (Amendment) Act 2010 and the Environment (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2011, relevant provisions of which were commenced on 15 November 2011. Each Planning Authority must determine whether a quarry development was carried out which would have required Evironmental Impact Assessment (EIA), a determination as to whether EIA would have been required, or an appropriate assessment under the Habitats Directive. Where the planning authority determines such an assessment or determination was required but was not carried out and that where the planning authority further decides that the quarry commenced operation prior to 1964, or was granted permission, and fulfilled the requirements in relation to registration under section 261 in 2004/05 if required to do so, the quarry will be required to apply for substitute consent. However where the planning authority decides that the quarry commenced after 1 October 1964 and never obtained planning permission or failed to fulfil the requirements in relation to registration, (if applicable), the planning authority will serve an enforcement notice under section 154 of the 2000 Act requiring the cessation of operations and taking of such steps as the planning authority considers appropriate. The notice will also explain that enforcement action will also be taken if the quarry undertook unauthorised development after 3 July 2008 (the date of the ECJ ruling in case C-215/06) which would have required EIA, a determination as to whether EIA was required, or appropriate assessment, but where such were not carried out. Planning Authorities are currently reviewing all quarry operations throughout the country and this process must be complete by Autumn this year. These new regulatory provisions therefore have far reaching implications for the quarry industry and, indeed, for developments generally, as the retention route is no longer available in many cases following a European Court of Justice judgement. The Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government has recently guidelines to provide an overview of these changes and to provide guidance on their implementation. The Guidelines can be found on www.environ.ie IWEA Wind Energy Best Practice Guidelines The Irish Wind Energy Association (IWEA) has recently published updated Wind Energy Best Practice Guidelines for the Irish Wind Industry. Prepared by Fehily Timoney Company Ltd in Cork, the Guidelines state that in order to meet the 2020 target for renewable energy contribution to gross final consumption, a total additional installed capacity of at least 3,100 MW will be required. The updated guidelines aim to encourage and define best practice development in the wind energy industry in order to meet this challenge and it is anticipated that they will act as a reference document and guide to the main issues wind energy developments should aware of in developing projects. The purpose of the Guidelines is to encourage responsible and sensitive wind farm development, which takes into consideration the concerns of local communities, planners and other interested groups. In approaching the development of IWEA’s guidelines the aim was to be complementary to the Department of the Environment Heritage and Local Government’s “Wind Energy Development Guidelines, 2006”. More information can be found on www.iwea.com. National Planning Conference April, 2012 Key items arising from the IPI National Planning Conference in Kilkenny on 26th and 27th April, 2012 are as follows: • NAMA is unlikely to support developments that do not comply with the Core Strategy; • Minister Hogan states that the planning review of decisions by Planning Authorities is, in fact, underway and due to report soon ; • Minister Hogan is to publish the new Retail Planning Guidelines in the first week of May, 2012 • Proposals for the integration of planning, economic and community development at the local level are to be tabled by the Minister soon • The IPI supports the reduction of Local Authorities from 88 to fewer than 10, with the elimination of town and borough councils as a starting point; • The IPI would support the appointment of a planning regulator but this office should be established as a division on An Bord Pleanála to avoid the creation of a new State agency. The National Spatial Strategy which was drawn up a decade ago was no longer fit for purpose and should be redrawn. Mahon Tribunal – Implications for Planning One of the outcomes of the Mahon Tribunal, as set out in the Mahon Tribunal Report dated 22nd March, 2012, is a number of specific planning recommendations that relate to preventing corruption and in particular planning corruption, namely: • The establishment of a planning regulator; • Placing the National Development Plan (NDP) and the National Spatial Strategy (NSS) on a statutory footing, Regional Authorities be directly elected and held accountable for implementation of RPG’s; • NTA members be appointed by an Independent Appointment Board rather than the Minister for the Environment, Community & Local Government due to impact on planning; • Planning submissions relating to a planning application and Managers Report be made available on the internet to aid transparency; • Members of a Local Authority directing the Manager to grant a planning application against the advice of professional Planners should have to explain their reasons for doing so; and • Interactions by Members on specific applications should be noted on the planning file and applicants seeking permission have to disclose if they have made a political donation to an elected member within the area where permission is sought. Statement of the Minister for Housing and Planning (Jan O’Sullivan) (2nd March, 2012) In response to the Mahon Tribunal Report, the Minister for Housing and Planning made the following statement: As Minister responsible for planning, I am pleased that today (22 March, 2012) we now finally have the Mahon Tribunal Report. The evidence given during the hearings and the conclusions of the Report have rightly apportioned blame to those who received corrupt payments, frustrated the work of the Tribunal and undermined our planning process. Planning corruption is not a faceless crime, it affects the welfare of families and communities for decades. Today we have the Tribunal Report and I am determined to act on its conclusions to ensure that our planning system is designed and operated in the interests of the country and the community. Developer-led planning has been a disaster, and we need to rebuild confidence in the planning system as an evidence-based, open, clear, and democratic process. Some progress has been made in this regard but more needs to be done and I will drive that important agenda, with colleagues in Government. The Tribunal Report makes important recommendations regarding our planning system. After considering the entire Tribunal Report and its recommendations I will bring forward proposed reforms for discussions with colleagues. I am adamant that no ambiguity can be allowed to exist as regard the roles of the minister or the elected member in the planning system, and tribunal recommendations will inform my thinking in this regard. How we plan for future communities, commercial development, and infrastructure has a direct bearing on our quality of life, our economic recovery, and our environmental sustainability. We must get it right. It is important that action is taken on the findings of the Report. Following Government consideration, it should be forwarded to the DPP, the Garda Commissioner, the Revenue Commissioners, and the Standards in Public Office Commission as appropriate. Response of the Irish Planning Institute (IPI) The Irish Planning Institute has noted the conclusions of the Mahon Report on irregularities in the planning process and is satisfied that at no stage in the process of the tribunal inquiry, has the integrity of professional planners been questioned. However, the Institute is of the view that the Report’s findings demonstrate the need for a tightening of procedures for the zoning of development land. The Institute welcomes the publication of the report which marks the end of a lengthy public inquiry. While the report does criticise the conduct of certain persons in the planning system (as did the previous interim report from the same tribunal), none of these persons are professional planners or members of the Institute. As well as confirming the integrity of the planning profession in Ireland, the report’s findings provide an opportunity to reflect on the distinction between the different roles of those responsible for the operation of the planning system. Since its introduction in 1963, the Irish planning system has always been based on a separation of responsibilities between those who are given the responsibility to make policy decisions (i.e. the locally elected representatives) and those who are given the responsibility to provide expert advice (i.e. the professional planners). The Irish Planning Institute has stated many times that planning is there to serve the common good and not to serve private individuals or sectoral interests. The long title of all of the Planning Acts and the Irish Planning Institute’s Code of Conduct and Ethics put the common good at the centre of planning. The Institute has always held the belief (and has expressed this many times) that this separation of roles is important and that the planning profession does not wish to replace the decision-making role assigned to the elected representatives in our planning system. Essentially it is the role of the locally elected county councillors as elected by the general public, to determine policy based on advice from professionally trained planners, employed by the local authority. While for many years certain planning authorities did not employ professionally qualified planners, the Institute now notes that the majority of planning authorities employ such staff, and that these professionals have responsibility to provide the elected representatives with the best possible professional advice. In addition, the Institute has many members working as planning consultants who work under an accepted code of conduct and provide advice to private developers, third parties and planning authorities. Equally, it is the duty of the councilors to act at all times in the interest of the common good and not in the interest of private citizens where such interests might conflict with the common good. The Institute is of the view that in order to prevent a repetition of mistakes made as identified in the Mahon Report, and to ensure that local decision-making is made in the interest of the common good, it is important that the policies adopted at local level are checked before they become statutory. The “core strategy requirement”, which was introduced by the 2010 Planning and Development Act, where a planning authority must demonstrate compliance of its local development plan with national and regional policies, goes a long way towards achieving this. However, consideration needs to be given to making the adoption of a development and local area plan subject to an appeal or approval process before it is finally confirmed, in order to provide the necessary checks and balances in the planning system. Subsequent Statement by the Irish Planning Institute Additional comments on the Mahon Report recommendations from Brendan Allen, President, Irish Planning Institute: 1. The IPI notes that the report acknowledges that there have been changes in intervening years which have strengthened the planning system and that these have been positive. 2. The IPI agrees with the majority of the recommendations in particular those that suggest that National Plans (NSS and NDP) should be put on a statutory footing. 3. The suggestion that “gaps” still remain at regional and national level in terms of the election of Regional Authorities and the appointment of board members to the NTA is valid. The IPI has for many years suggested that regional planning is essential in Ireland having regard to size of the country and the multiplicity of County Councils. Many infrastructure projects, towns, etc. serve regions and it is only logical that these should be planned in a regional context. It is normal in many European countries to have strong regional government with decision making powers. Recent amalgamations of local authorities provide a context for strong regional planning. 4. Recommendations in relation to how elected members are involved in decision making, in particular where they depart from professional and managerial advice in relation to specific applications, are welcomed as these will ensure full transparency in how decisions are made. 5. The IPI is not quite clear at this stage exactly what the role of a Planning Regulator would be. As worded in the report it would appear to be somewhat similar to the functions of the tribunal. Regulators tend to be found in areas sectors of the economy such as energy, airports, taxis, etc. where they licensing, prices, fares, etc. are being determined in a regulated sector. In terms of enforcing National and Regional Planning Strategies and Guidelines it is not clear how a regulator would actually function. This particular recommendation requires further consideration and discussion. 2. RECENT AN BORD PLEANÁLA DECISIONS/APPLICATIONS/APPEALS OF NOTE National Childrens Hospital (PA0024) and the Slane ByPass (PL17 .HA0026 / PL17 .KA0015) have both been refused by the Board. The Childrens; Hospital was refused on the following basis: Notwithstanding the general acceptability of the proposal in terms of medical co-location on this inner city hospital site, it is considered that the proposed development, by reason of its height, scale, form and mass, located on this elevated site, would result in a dominant, visually incongruous structure and would have a profound negative impact on the appearance and visual amenity of the city skyline. The proposed development would contravene policy SC18 of the Dublin City Development Plan, 2011-2017, which seeks to protect and enhance the skyline of the inner city and to ensure that all proposals for mid-rise and taller buildings make a positive contribution to the urban character of the city. The National Paediatric Hospital Development Board submitted pre-application consultation documentation to the Board on 23rd March, 2012 in respect of a 392-bed inpatient and 53-bed daycare National Paediatric Hospital at Eccles Street, Dublin 7 Slane ByPass was refused on the basis of it was not satisfied that alternatives to a bypass had been adequately explored. It was also refused on traffic grounds. The development of 52 houses, 115 car parking spaces and all associated site works, including pedestrian/cycle linkages with Caheranne village, Ballyvelly, Tralee Co. Kerry PL81 .239052 was granted by the Board on 14th March, 2012. This followed a previous refusal from the Board for a similar development (PL81.232027), and a further Inspector’s recommendation to refuse permission for three reasons (not satisfied that the proposed development would not have significant impacts on the adjacent Tralee Bay and Magharees Peninsula West to Cloghane candidate Special Area of Conservation and to the Tralee Bay Complex Special Protection Area; not satisfied that the proposed development complies with the sequential test for development of lands for vulnerable uses as required by the Planning System and Flood Risk Management Guidelines for Planning Authorities 2009; and is not satisfied that the flood risk assessment has adequately addressed the impacts of the proposed development, on lands to the south and west of the site in the event of a tidal surge). In deciding not to accept the Inspector’s recommendation to refuse permission, the Board noted that the revised ecological report, submitted in response to the concerns of the Board, which took into account the revised boundaries of the nearby SPA, and considered that: • the specialist ecological reports carried out were clear that the development as proposed would not be likely to impact negatively on the flora or fauna of any Natura 2000 site, including potential in combination effects, • no substantive ecological information that would cause doubt in these findings had been provided in the course of the application and appeal • the site ground levels have been filled a number of years ago in relation to the canal restoration project, and that any further measures proposed in relation to site development and flooding would have minimal impact in • relation to ecology. Taking all of the above into account, the screening assessment carried out by the Board concluded that no further purpose would be served by a ‘stage 2’ appropriate assessment exercise. In relation to flooding, the Board considered that the flood reports submitted by the applicant’s agents (both by Malachy Walsh and Partners Consulting Engineer and by UCC Flood Study Group) provided a thorough assessment of flooding concerns, such as to alleviate the previous concerns expressed by An Bord Pleanála’s previous refusal reason (under PL 81.232027), and to meet the requirements of the national guidelines. The Board also noted that flooding considerations were included in the strategic environmental assessment of the Tralee Town Development Plan 2009–2015, under which the land use zoning of the site was confirmed. Killcarrig Quarries Ltd., Powerstown, Co. Carlow PL01.238351 was granted permission by the Board on 10th April, 2012 for development comprising a new entrance and wheelwash, and retention of a weighbridge and weighbridge office, readymix plant, blockmaking yard, pre-stressed concrete floor production plant and associated concrete making plant, washing plant, lagoons, extension to sand drying and mixing plant, screening plant, mobile crushers, canteen and toilet block and a fuel storage. An Taisce had appealed the decision on four counts, principally that the proposal constituted intensification of an unauthorised development under the EIA Directive and that the retention and intensification of the development is debarred as a consequence of the EC of Justice Case C215-06 in 2008, as well as non-compliance with the permitted development, and failure to address the legal status of the quarry material supply source. The Inspector recommended refusal on two grounds, including the lack of information, and that Board is precluded from making a decision on the proposed entrance as there is conflicting evidence on file regarding the national or regional status of the road network in the area, which would have a significant bearing on the outcome of the proposed development. The Board overturned the Inspector’s recommendation and granted permission, having regard to the planning history of the site, the nature of the development proposed for retention, which comprises aggregate based manufacturing facilities, the general proximity of the site to sources of aggregate and its location served by a regional road network. The Board concurred with the Senior Planning Inspector, that the development does not fall within the prescribed classes of development as set out in Schedule 5 in the Planning and Development Regulations, as amended, for the purposes of sections 172 or 176 of the Planning and Development Act, 2000, as amended. Therefore, a requirement for Environmental Impact Assessment does not arise and the development to be retained does not come within the scope of the ECJ C-215/06 judgement, dated 3rd July, 2008. In deciding not to accept the Inspector’s recommendation to refuse permission, the Board considered that the applicant’s response to the Board’s section 137 notice provided a rationale for the retention of manufacturing processes on the site, given its planning history, proximity to sources of aggregate and its location on the regional road network. A First Party appeal (PL 04.239430) against the contribution applied by Cork County Council on the shortfall of car parking spaces to serve a permitted extension to the Rochestown Inn, Rochestown Road, Douglas, Co. Cork is interesting in that the Board ruled that, notwithstanding the Cork County Council Development Contribution Scheme, 2004, which provides that after 31st August, 2004, contributions in respect of car parking deficiency shall be levied by way of a special development contribution, where a shortfall in parking requirements exists, and where there is a shortfall of 12 spaces arising from the proposed development, the Board considered that the applicants will not be the sole beneficiaries of public car parking in the area. Therefore, the Board considered that a proportion of the costs of developing the car parking should be borne by the applicants. The contribution levied was reduced from €54,000 to €36,000. The proposed development of the existing Liberty Hall complex and the construction of a mixed-use building part 22 storey, part three storey over two basement levels, 74 bike parking spaces, all site works and services by SIPTU (PL29N.240350) has been appealed by a number of parties, including Irish Life Assurance Plc and An Taisce. A decision is due on 23rd July, 2012. John Brennan has had his proposal for a glamping facility at Dromquinna Manor (Protected Structure), Dromquinna, Kenmare, Co. Kerry appealed to the Board PL08 .240340. However, the appellant has provided evidence that the development permitted by Kerry County Council is under construction, despite the appeal. Planning permission for the glamping facility required a material contravention of the Kerry County Development Plan 2009, as the proposed development is located on a sensitive coastal site and also because of works to the National Secondary Road, where the policy prohibits direct access from a National Road for a caravan park. A decision is due on 23rd July, 2012. Appeals have been lodged against the decisions of Cork County Council to grant permission on 23rd February, 2012 under applications register reference 11/4944, 11/4945, 11/4946 and 11/4969 for the erection of a total of 6 no. wind turbines with hub height of up to 100m, blade radius of up to 50.5m and overall height from ground to tip of blade of up to 150.5m, upgrade of existing site roads, construction of internal site tracks and all associated works at De Puy (2no. turbines), Janssen Biologics (1no. turbine), Novartis Ringaskiddy Ltd (2no. turbines) and GlaxoSmithKline SmithKline Beecham Ltd (1no. turbine). The decisions are due on 18th July, 2012. A pre-application consultation (PL09.PC0106) by Bord Na Móna PLC on the proposed Mechanical Biological Treatment (MBT) Facility On The Site Of The Existing Drehid Waste Management Facility In Co. Kildare has been determined to be a Strategic Infrastructure Development. An Bord Pleanála is due to make a decision this week on the construction of phase 1 of a 1million m2 Euro Chinese Trading Hub trading hub PL25A.239982 by Athlone Business Park Limited on a 138-hectare site at Creggan, near Athlone, Co Westmeath. Phase 1 includes a four-storey reception building, three large exhibition halls, nine smaller halls and basement parking for 1,370 cars, with a floor area of 100,000 sq m. 3. ENERGY Eirgrid Plc Eirgrid Plc submitted its application for Strategic Infrastructure Development (PL04.VA0010) for the Clashavoon to Dunmanway 110kV overhead line to An Bord Pleanala on 13th April, 2012. The case is due to be decided by 8th October, 2012. Meanwhile, Eirgrid Plc is also consulting on Grid Link, a project which consists of a new high voltage power line linking Leinster and Munster. Based on assessments to date, EirGrid has determined that in order to best meet the needs of the south and east, the optimum solution is the construction of a 400 kV Alternating Current (AC) overhead line linking Cork and Kildare via Wexford. It is a vital development for the region and will deliver a wide range of benefits, including: • Securing future electricity supply for homes, businesses, farms, factories and communities • Empowering growth in the south and east of Ireland • Helping Ireland to meet its 40% renewable energy targets The first stage of public consultation is focused on the proposed study area and on the identification of contraints. It will run for an eight week period from Thursday, 12th April to Friday 8th of June 2012. However, stakeholders are welcome to make a submission to the project team at any time. EirGrid does not expect to submit an application to An Bord Pleanála for planning approval before 2015. Further information is available on www.eirgridprojects.com/gridlink. Bord Gais opens Ballymartin Wind Farm, Co. Kilkenny Having just officially opened its first developed wind farm, Bord Gais Energy (BGE) plans to bring a second facility on stream in 2012 as part of a €400 million investment programme to create a further 250MW of wind energy over the next three years. Bord Gáis Energy’s first developed wind farm, Ballymartin Wind Farm, is located at Mullinavat, County Kilkenny. It currently comprises 3no. turbines (total output 6MW), with a further 4no. permitted turbines to be erected in 2012 (overall output 14MW). The second windfarm to become operational in 2012 will be Garracummer Wind Farm in County Tipperary, which will bring an additional 42MW of wind energy online. Bord Gais Energy is a key player in the Irish wind energy market and has 15% of the installed wind capacity in Ireland at present. The company owns and operates 132 turbines on 13 wind farms in eight counties – Kerry, Cork, Limerick, Clare, Tipperary, Kilkenny, Donegal and Tyrone. ISLES Project The Governments of Ireland, Scotland and Northern Ireland have launched plans for a joined-up energy grid involving €7 billion of investment in offshore wind, wave and tidal energy that could generate enough electricity to power 2.8 million homes. Backed by ABB, Siemens and Alstom, the ISLES project aims to tap into up to €4.6 billion of funding that will be available from the European Investment Bank and the €9.1 billion that is available from the EU’s Connecting Europe Facility for investment in trans-European energy infrastructure. The plans foresee up to 5.6GW of wind, wave and tidal energy being generated by 2020 in Donegal, Louth, Dublin, Wicklow and Wexford, Co Antrim and Co Down. The first stage of the project will involve linking up electricity grids in Scotland and Northern Ireland, while the second stage would involve further interconnection between the east coast of Ireland and Wales.Envisaged for Scotland are 1.5GW of offshore wind capacity – involving up to 750 turbines, about 300MW of offshore wind in Donegal and about the same level in Northern Ireland combined with about 200MW of tidal energy and 500MW of interconnection to Scotland. The second stage of the project will involve 3.4GW of offshore wind along Ireland’s east coast in addition to 2GW of interconnection with Wales. Separate plans under consideration by the Irish and British governments could see additional wind capacity and pumped hydropower backup – involving €5 billion of further investment and the creation of 3,000 jobs – from the Spirit of Ireland initiative, which would link into the ISLES grid. It is understood that Germany’s Enercon, the fourth largest manufacturer of wind turbines in the world, is considering opening a factory on the west coast connected with the Spirit of Ireland/Natural Hydro Energy project. 4. OTHER Census 2011 results The first definitive results of the 2011 Census published in March, 2012 show that Ireland’s population has continued to grow strongly since 2006, increasing by 348,404 people to 4,588,252, and that the total number of non-Irish nationals has increased by 124,624 persons or 29.7 per cent from 419,733 to 544,357. The highlights of the report are as follows: More women than men There were 42,854 more females than males in the State in April 2011 resulting in an overall sex ratio of 98.1 males for every 100 females. This is a reversal of the situation in 2006 when the sex ratio was 100.1. Continued increase in numbers divorced The number of divorced people in Ireland has increased by 150.3 per cent since 2002, up from 35,059 to 87,770 in the most recent census. In contrast the number of people identified as separated has levelled off and stood at 116,194, up marginally from 107,263 in 2006. Born abroad The number of Irish residents who were born outside Ireland continues to increase and stood at 766,770 in 2011 an increase of 25 per cent on 2006, and accounting for 17 per cent of the population. The groups which showed the largest increase were those already well established in Ireland. The fastest growing groups were Romanians (up 110%), Indians (up 91%), Polish (up 83%), Lithuanians (up 40%) and Latvians (up 43%). Immigration Immigration by Irish nationals was 19,593 in the year to April 2011, of which 7,338 had previously lived in the UK, followed by Australia as the second most important country of origin (3,921) and the USA in third place with 1,688. Immigration by foreign nationals in the year to April 2011 was 33,674. No one country of origin stands out, but rather the data shows immigrants came from a large selection of countries. The largest groups came from Poland, UK, France, Lithuania, Spain and the USA. A multi-lingual country A question on foreign languages was asked for the first time in census 2011. The results show that over half a million (514,068) Irish residents spoke a foreign language at home and that, unsurprisingly, Polish was by far the most common, followed by French, Lithuanian and German. Increase in Irish Traveller numbers The number of people enumerated as Irish Travellers in Census 2011 increased by 32 per cent from 22,435 to 29,573, with all counties apart from Limerick and Waterford showing increases larger than the increase in the general population. Renting Almost 475,000 households in Ireland were renting their accommodation on census night 2011. This is a significant increase since Census 2006 when just over 300,000 households were renting. Central heating A new question on Census 2011 asked about the type of fuel used in central heating systems. Fossil fuels topped the responses with oil, natural gas and coal being used to heat 4 out of 5 Irish homes. There was a clear urban/rural split with almost 70 per cent of households in rural areas using oil to heat their homes while in towns and cities 51 per cent of homes used natural gas. Vacant Houses Total housing stock grew to almost 2 million homes, of these almost 290,000 were vacant on Census night giving a vacancy rate of 14.5 per cent. Leitrim had the highest overall vacancy rate with over 30 percent of homes vacant. Donegal was next with a vacancy rate of 29%. On 26th April, 2012, the Central Statistics Office released two further publications in its series of Census 2011 results, showing that the population density for the State in 2011 was 67 persons per km2, up from 62 persons per km2 recorded in 2006. The two publications, “Profile 1 Town and Country – Population Distribution and Movements” and the “Population by Area” volume examine topics including the geographic distribution of the population, population density and internal migration. The highlights of the report are as follows: Population density in IrelandThe population density for the State in 2011 was 67 persons per km2, up from 62 persons per km2 recorded in 2006. The average population density in urban areas was 1,736 persons per km2 compared to 26 persons per km2 in rural areas. Urban and rural land areaIn 2011, the urban population (comprising 62 per cent of the total population) lived on just 2.4 per cent of the total land area. UrbanisationLeitrim is the most rural county in the country with almost 90 per cent of the population living in a rural setting. No county showed an increase in the share of the rural population since 2006. Towns and CitiesDrogheda has maintained its position as the largest town in Ireland with 38,578 persons. Ennis (25,360) remained the largest town in Munster. The largest town in Connacht was Sligo with a population of 19,452 while Letterkenny was the largest town in Ulster (part of) with 19,588 persons. The fastest growing towns in percentage terms in 2011 were primarily within the 1,500-3,000 population range. Saggart in South Dublin was the fastest growing town between 2006 and 2011 when its population increased by almost 150 per cent from 868 in 2006 to 2,144 in 2011. City LifeThree-quarters of Irish residents enumerated in Cork City were born in County Cork. In contrast fewer than half of those in Galway city were born in County Galway, while one in four were born outside the State making Galway the most international of the five cities. One in five Irish residents enumerated in Dublin city was born outside the State. Who moved?Just over 273,000 usual residents (or 6.2 per cent of all usual residents aged one year or over) moved in the year to April 2011, compared with 322,030 movers in 2006, a fall of 15 per cent. 14,707 households who moved bought their new home with a mortgage or loan. 14,739 people over the age of one moved out of County Dublin in the year leading up to Census 2011 with Kildare their most common destination. Changing Faces – Shifting Sands: report on demographic trends in Dublin City Urban sprawl caused by the housing boom has left Dublin lagging behind in terms of population growth, according to a report ‘The ”Changing Faces – Shifting Sands”, an analysis of demographic trends in the greater Dublin region commissioned by the City Council. The population of the Dublin City Council area grew by just under 10% between 1991 and 2011. This compares with over 60% in the Mid-East region comprising counties Meath, Kildare and Wicklow and a national average of just under 30%. The report notes that residential sprawl presents challenges for transport, work practices, childcare and local services. It also notes differing population trends within the four Dublin authorities, with two areas in particular showing high growth. Dublin’s inner city, the area between the canals, had an increase of over 60%, while the Fingal County area grew by nearly 80%. The percentage of foreign born residents in Dublin was 15% in 2006 – a 367% increase in the previous 20 years. The report also notes that Ireland’s population is ageing with the percentage of those aged over 65 years set to double by 2035. The Report analyses the demographic changes in the greater Dublin Region and makes recommendations for Dublin’s future based on Eurostat data. One of the report findings projects the capital’s population will increase by almost 50 per cent from 4.5 million in 2010 to 6.5 million in 2060. According to Dublin City Council, in the last number of years a ‘baby boom’ has resulted in one of the highest birth rates in the EU. This means the number of people in the over 65 age group is set to double by 2035, requiring “careful policy planning across domains including pensions, health and care services, housing and the development of technological solutions for independent living.” An Taisce’s State of the Nation Report A Review of Ireland’s Planning System 2000 – 2011 In their recent report, dated 16th April, 2012, An Taisce assessed Ireland’s 34 city and county councils: 20 received a ‘B’, ‘C’ or ‘D’ grade, 9 received an ‘E’ grade and five received an F grade (Cavan, Kerry, Leitrim, Roscommon and Donegal). Donegal came last. By way of illustration of its poor performance, Donegal had approximately 2,250 hectares of residential zoned land in 2010, sufficient for an additional population of 180,000 people. Despite this, approximately 50% of all residential planning permissions in Donegal over the past decade were granted on unzoned land. These trends are symptomatic of a wider systems failure in which counties Donegal, Roscommon, Leitrim, Kerry and Cavan perform worst. No council achieved an ‘A’ grade. Just three councils achieved a ‘B’ grade –Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown, South Dublin and Galway City. The indicators are urban-rural neutral. Generally, however, councils with higher populations and, as a consequence, a greater number and range of professional and technical staff, scored higher, an exception being County Limerick which ranked within the top 10 councils, albeit with a ‘C’ grade. Donegal Council was singled out as the worst planning offender in Ireland as around half of all residential planning permissions were granted on unzoned land, despite the fact that the county had over 2,000 hectares of land already zoned for residential use in 2010. This was sufficient for an extra population of 180,000. Notably, taking the decade from 2000, An Taisce brought appeals to to An Bord Pleanála in regard to less than half of one per cent (0.4%) of cases. And, of the approximately 2,000 appeals lodged by An Taisce over the ten-year period, 80% were upheld by An Bord Pleanála, with the planning appeals board overturning or significantly amending the original decision of the council to grant planning permission. Visit www.antaisce.ie to read the report in full. Páirc Uí Chaoimh, Cork City: Proposed Variation No. 7 (Marina Park -Páirc Uí Chaoimh) of the City Development Plan 2009-2015 On 16th April, 2012, Cork City Council voted in favour of the Proposed Variation No. 7 (Marina Park -Páirc Uí Chaoimh) of the City Development Plan 2009-2015). The proposed variation and the proposed amendment relate to the re-zoning of 6.82 acres of ‘Public Open Space’ to ‘Sports Grounds’ at the former Munster Agricultural Society Showgrounds in order to facilitate the redevelopment of Páirc Uí Chaoimh, and an ‘all-weather’ playing pitch. The Cork County GAA Board wants to revamp the stadium, increase its capacity from 43,000 to 50,000, improve player, officials’ and spectator facilities, and develop a “centre of excellence” next to the stadium, to include an all-weather pitch and a 1,000-seat stand. The land required for the centre of excellence is part of the former Showgrounds site, which the city acquired by CPO from the Munster Agricultural Society. The City Council received over 120 submissions during the public consultation on the Proposed Variation. Residents on Ballintemple and Blackrock’s concerns include the impact of match-traffic, parking, litter and antisocial behaviour. The County Board, which has appointed a design team to oversee the project, has said it hopes to lodge a planning application in June and, pending the outcome of the planning process, start construction before the end of 2012. An application for a significant retail development of some 13,344m2 gross floorspace, including an anchor store of 11,675m2, 899no. car parking spaces (majority at undercroft level), a new access onto the North Ring Road and Ballyhooly New Road, a linear park at the Fox & Hounds, Ballyhooly Rd Banduff Ballyvolane, Co. Cork by Ballyvolane Development Company Limited, has been lodged concurrently with Cork City (12/35230) and Cork County Councils (12/4725) on 4th April, 2012 and 12th April, 2012 respectively. The proposed development site forms part of the lands zoned T-01 (proposed upgrade to Ballyvolane District Centre) in the Blarney Electoral Area Local Area Plan 2011. Vehicular access to the proposed development site from the North Ring Road is through land zoned public open space and an Area of High Landscape Value in the Cork City Development Plan 2009. Two new planning related website have been set up recently, as follows: Link2Plans.com is a subscription based website which lists every Planning Application at every different stage, from every County in the Country. The planning applications are posted using a traffic light system. Red being applications that have been Applied for Planning, Amber being applications that have been Granted Planning and Green being applications that have commenced. Searches can be carried out by county, by development type and by floorspace size. Searches can then access the name of the person who submitted the application, the site address and where the County Council upload planning documents online, the plans of the house will be available too. Myplan.ie is a planning website recently published by the Department of Environment that aims to create a one stop shop for information about development plans and also to provide other information which is relevant to planning decision-making. The website allows the public to view the 400 development and local area plans, developed by the 88 planning authorities, across the country in one mapping tool, along with other relevant planning information such as census, heritage sites, patterns of housing development, and so on. The system allows the user to overlay a range of different information and to query individual parcels of land.