Access to housing: the role of housing supply and urban development policies in the greater Dublin area

Abstract

The structure of this article is shaped by the need to examine the land supply issue and explore why its operations have failed to satisfy demand levels in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA). The introduction and economic context are followed by an exploration of the recent strategic planning and housing supply policies, including the housing strategies of the four Dublin local authorities. This is followed by an examination of the resulting housing and population trends. These trends are then explored from the perspective of development and planning interests and conclusions are developed in light of the quantitative and qualitative evidence presented . The paper examines in particular the issue of the supply of development land from the perspective of key participants in the development and planning processes. Included is an examination of the provision of new housing under the housing strategies of the local authorities in the GDA. This quantitative analysis and review was supplemented by oral interviews with key public officials. It was followed by individual structured interviews with 15 key groups and organisations involved in the housing supply process, including construction and housing development interests, planning and policy-making interests and local authority interests. The purpose of this examination is to discern the issues and conflicts surrounding the supply of development land and planning policy ambitions regarding the provision of housing.