When deciding where to live, there can be so much to consider. Is it close or commutable to work? Are there schools nearby? What are the transport links like? What about shops? While different people will have different needs, there are some fundamental elements that will help people decide where to live – or not.
Getting the basics right
A strong economic base, healthcare and educational facilities, availability of housing and an efficient public transport system are prerequisites to a quality environment in which to live and work, says Matthew McAleese, director of planning and strategic infrastructure at Fingal County Council.
“It is vital that priority is given to locating quality employment and residential development in proximity, in order to reduce the need for travel and to ensure that accommodation is available to meet the needs of workers,” says McAleese. “Aligning population growth, employment creation and residential development at the correct locations is therefore critical.
“In this regard, appropriately located intensive employment opportunities adjacent to good public transport networks ensures that people can avail of reduced travel times and are not dependent on car-based commuting, thereby contributing positively to the environment and to quality of life.”
An attractive location in which to live also requires good community facilities and services to entice people to an area, says McAleese.
“As such, the provision of social and community infrastructure such as education, sports and recreational facilities, high-quality public open space, libraries, childcare facilities, places of worship, and health and community centres is vital to positively enhance quality of life in areas where we live and work.”
Going above and beyond
A good place to live should provide essential amenities to support a healthy and thriving community, says McAleese: “Accessible healthcare services ensure residents can receive medical care when needed, promoting wellbeing and peace of mind. Quality education facilities nearby offer opportunities for learning and development. Access to recreation spaces and open areas allow for leisure, community and fitness. Reliable public transport connects residents to work opportunities, reducing reliance on private vehicles and promoting sustainability.
“Proximity to employment centres ensures access to job opportunities, supporting economic stability. Nearby grocery stores ensure convenient access to fresh food and necessities. These amenities are fundamental for a comfortable and fulfilling living experience.”
Other amenities and features that are considered nice to have would include walkable neighbourhoods, extensive cycle infrastructure for both recreational and daily commuting and a high-quality public realm promoting access for all, McAleese says.
“These amenities may not be essential but they can greatly improve and enhance the overall quality of living and make a location more desirable for residents,” he adds.
Social inclusion is embedded in the council area, with policies focused on improving access for all groups within society impacting positively on the lives of citizens.
“Key groups within society which must be considered when planning and designing for communities and when providing social and community infrastructure include, for example, children and young people, older members of the community, persons with disabilities, new ethnic communities and the Traveller community,” says McAleese.
The missing links
Not all locations are created equally and for those that are missing key amenities it can take considerable time to rectify.
“It depends on the type of amenity that is missing – putting in public transport can take decades but creating a health centre can be done much quicker,” says Dr Lorcan Sirr, lecturer in housing studies at Technological University Dublin. “As with most of these things, a lot of delivery depends on the will of those with the power to control it.”
The community itself can and does help with the planning and execution of amenities, particularly through working with local councillors.
Managing rapid growth
Some towns, often those commutable to bigger cities, have seen incredible growth in a short amount of time. This can put pressure on existing amenities that were not designed to accommodate as many people as there do. Public transport routes can quickly become overcrowded if everyone is heading into a city at about the same time every morning. Dr Sirr says strategic planning is the answer.
“We have a history of development-led planning. In other words, we let development happen and then – often years later, if we’re lucky – the basic services are supplied,” he says.
“Other countries will put in public transport, for example, years before any housing is developed. We do it the other way around.”