The Built Environment

The built environment describes the artificial, man-made structures in which we live, work and play. All artificial surfaces, including buildings, roads, pavements etc. come under the heading of the built environment.

Newgrange, Co. Meath

Entrance to the megalithic passage tomb at Newgrange, Co. Meath. The passage and chamber of the tomb are dramatically illuminated each year by the winter solstice sunrise.

By permission of Meath County Library.

Newgrange, Co. Meath
By permission of Meath County Library.

Newgrange, Co. Meath

Entrance to the megalithic passage tomb at Newgrange, Co. Meath. The passage and chamber of the tomb are dramatically illuminated each year by the winter solstice sunrise.

By permission of Meath County Library.

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The built environment has evolved over time since the earliest man-made structures. Today we live in a very crowded, urbanised world in which the volume of artificial surfaces is increasing rapidly.

Such developments can have detrimental effects on our natural environment. Equally, well planned cities can reduce the cumulative impact of human activity on the environment through efficiencies of scale and appropriate environmental management. It is therefore important to regulate the built environment at local, national and EU level. This helps to protect what was good from the past and to plan wisely for the future.

With regards to preserving buildings of significant architectural value, some of Ireland's historic houses are under the care of the Irish Heritiage Trust, helping to protect these beautiful 18th and 19th century buildings. Surveys of each county are also conducted by the National Inventory of Architectural Heritage (NIAH), identifying buildings of architectural importance to Irish heritage.

Where are People Living in Ireland?

Population Density in Ireland

Population Density in Ireland

Population Density in Ireland

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Since 1996 there has been an increase of 16.9% in Ireland's population. This is five times the EU average and the 2006 census shows that 60.7% of the population accounts for urban dwellers. Urban population is defined in Ireland as the population living in settlements of over 1,500 people.

Leinster's population is almost double that of the rest of the country, at 115 people per square kilometre. The increase in population and steady trend towards urbanisation, especially in the east of the country near Dublin, impacts heavily on the environment e.g.

• Air and noise pollution caused by increased traffic
  
• Pressure on infrastructure such as waste management, fresh water supply, roads, housing
• Loss in biodiversity caused by changes in land use from agricultural to housing and industrial developments
  

Such trends create an potentially create an unsustainable living environment. It is therefore important to plan the development of those urban areas in such a way that a balanced, eco-friendly, and sustainable lifestyle can be maintained.