Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 1 October 2026
118. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to outline the policy for the number of car parking spaces to be delivered in new housing developments; if current public transport connectivity is taken into account or if it based on future routes; to outline the options for people who do not have a car parking space included in their accommodation; and if the current policy is being reviewed. [69354/26]
View answerMaximum parking rates for new residential developments are addressed at a national level in the Sustainable Residential Development and Compact Settlement Guidelines “the Settlement Guidelines”, issued in 2024 under Section 28 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended).
The Settlement Guidelines aim to support the use of public transport, walking and cycling to reduce traffic congestion, lower emissions and improve air quality, contributing to national climate goals. The Settlement Guidelines are designed to strike the balance between the need for residents to have access to parking but also to support investments in public transport services and active travel (walking and cycling). The provision of car parking can also add significant cost to developments, in particular high-density schemes (i.e. apartments) where higher ratios of parking necessitate a podium or basement car park.
The Settlement Guidelines set out graduated maximum car parking rates based on proximity to urban centres and sustainable transport options. Sustainable transport includes existing or planned public transportation. Planned public transportation refers to transport infrastructure and services identified in a Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy for the five cities, where a public authority (e.g. the National Transport Authority, Transport Infrastructure Ireland, or Iarnród Éireann) has published a preferred route option and stop locations for the proposed public transport service.
Maximum car parking rates range from 1 space per dwelling in central or accessible locations to 2 spaces per dwellings in more peripheral or intermediate locations with higher rates of car dependency. These rates do not include bays assigned for use by a car club, designated short stay on–street Electric Vehicle (EV) charging stations or accessible parking spaces.
It should be noted that prior to the issuing of the Settlement Guidelines in 2024, parking rates were generally set by planning authorities through their development plans.
Where planning permission is sought for particular residential development proposals, planning authorities and, where relevant, An Coimisiún Pleanála, will need to be satisfied that the necessary and appropriate provision of parking is provided in accordance with the requirements of the Settlement Guidelines. For developments of 100 residential units or more, the Settlement Guidelines recommend that a Mobility Management Plan/ Travel Plan is prepared in support of the proposed parking arrangements.
It should also be noted that local authorities are independent in their functions under the Local Government Acts, and under the provisions of Section 36 of the Road Traffic Act, which falls under the responsibility of the Minister for Transport, roads authorities may make bye-laws for the control, management and regulation of on-street parking of vehicles (including Residential Parking Permits) in public areas.
