Ireland's UN SDGs - Goal 11 Sustainable Cities and Communities 2021

Goal 11. Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable

The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage website's Policy Section provides information under the five main headings of Housing, Local Government, Heritage, Planning and Water.  Information from these five Policy areas on the website are presented here, including links to each Policy area.

Housing

The government is helping local authorities and developers to plan and build better and more houses for people to live in.

This involves working with other public, private and voluntary bodies to:

• provide social housing supports for people who cannot afford to provide a home for themselves
• create an environment that encourages builders to deliver houses for people who wish to buy their own home
• ensure that the building of houses is to the highest standards and is built in areas where it is needed
• improve the quality of rented housing and strengthening tenant and landlord protection
• provide housing support for vulnerable people

Local Government

The department supports local government in its role of promoting the wellbeing and quality of life of citizens and communities through the efficient performance of functions and delivery of good-value services at local level.

Heritage

Our built and natural heritage contributes to national health, wellbeing, enjoyment and sustainable economic growth.  The goal of the department’s Heritage division is to conserve and manage Ireland’s unique heritage for the benefit of present and future generations, as a support to economic renewal and sustainable employment and in compliance with legal obligations.

We work to ensure that Ireland has a suite of policies and legislation in place to meet modern requirements and in compliance with EU and international heritage obligations.  We also work to achieve effective implementation and, where appropriate, enforcement of heritage policies and legislation, including through third parties.

In this way, we promote greater appreciation and understanding of the immense intrinsic value of Ireland’s rich heritage and also as a valuable amenity for business, community development, farming and tourism and as a means of presenting Ireland as an attractive destination for sustainable inward investment.

Planning

Our planning system is set out in national legislation and policy which provides for:

• The National Planning Framework - our national spatial development policy for our cities, towns and rural areas to 2040
• A system of regional and county development plans setting out local development policies overseen by an independent planning regulator
• Procedures for applying and obtaining planning permission for development with an independent planning appeals board
• Protection for architectural, heritage and natural assets in our environment

Water

This department aims to protect and improve water resources in Ireland.  This is done by implementing national and European policy regarding water services and water quality.

Having good, secure water supplies, comprehensive wastewater services and clean waters are vital for protecting public health, supporting economic growth and preserving our environment.