Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 February 2026
635. Deputy Brian Brennan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if there is any planning regulation that stipulates that a medical service provider, such as a pharmacy or GP surgery, must have car parking access or set down within a reasonable distance from the building; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14165/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraRequirements relating to the quantum and form of parking for premises used for retail, health or medical services are generally set at a local level by planning authorities via their development plans.
When setting parking requirements for retail development that provide a significant social and economic function (including pharmacies) the Retail Planning Guidelines (2012), issued as Ministerial Guidelines under Section 28 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended), recommend that as part of the development management process, consideration should be given to the accessibility needs of the elderly and persons with mobility impairments. Section 28 of the Act of 2000 requires that planning authorities have regard to Ministerial Guidelines when carrying out their functions under the Act.
When making a decision in respect of a planning application for a proposed development, the planning authority may, if granting permission and where necessary, reasonable and enforceable, attach a condition to the permission to regulate and control the extent of parking places in connection with the proposed development.
With regard to areas of public on-street parking, under the provisions of Section 36 of the Roads and Traffic Act, which falls under the remit of my colleague the Minister for Transport, roads authorities may make bye-laws for the control and regulation of the parking of vehicles.
