Lack of green space, traffic recreation, schools, transport, waste, noise

Dear Sir/Madam,

I wish to make a formal submission objecting to the Proposed Material Alterations to Proposed Variation No. 2 to the South Dublin County Development Plan 2022–2028, particularly where they affect the St. Edmundsbury (St. Ed's), Lucan area.

While I acknowledge the need to provide additional housing, this should not come at the expense of existing communities whose infrastructure and services are already operating beyond capacity. The proposed alterations do not adequately address the cumulative impact of further development on transport, education, community facilities, biodiversity or residents' quality of life.

Traffic congestion in the area is already severe. At peak times, it can take almost 20 minutes simply to travel from the surrounding estates to the N4. Residents experience daily delays, and additional housing without significant investment in road infrastructure and public transport will only worsen congestion, increase vehicle emissions and reduce road safety.

There is also an ongoing issue with heavy goods vehicles, including 3-tonne trucks, illegally using the Outer Road to access the N4 despite restrictions. This creates safety risks for residents, pedestrians and cyclists. Increased development will inevitably add to these pressures unless appropriate enforcement and infrastructure improvements are delivered first.

The loss of greenfield land is another major concern. These open spaces provide important habitats for wildlife, support biodiversity, improve air quality and contribute to climate resilience. They are also an essential amenity for local residents, offering space for walking, recreation and supporting physical and mental wellbeing. Once these lands are developed, these environmental and community benefits are permanently lost.

Community infrastructure is already under considerable strain. Families are finding it increasingly difficult to secure places in local schools, while sports clubs and children's activities have extensive waiting lists. There are insufficient recreational and youth facilities, leaving many young people with few positive outlets. This has contributed to ongoing antisocial behaviour, including the persistent problem of scrambler motorcycles causing noise, damage and safety concerns in the area.

Noise pollution is also likely to increase significantly as a result of additional construction, traffic and higher population density. This will have a negative impact on the residential amenity enjoyed by existing residents and reduce the quality of life within established neighbourhoods.

Waste management must also be considered. A growing population will generate more household waste and place additional pressure on waste collection services and public litter infrastructure. Without corresponding investment, there is a greater risk of littering, overflowing bins and illegal dumping, all of which detract from the local environment and negatively affect wildlife and public spaces.

The Planning and Development Act promotes sustainable development that balances growth with environmental protection, adequate infrastructure and the wellbeing of communities. In my view, these proposed material alterations do not demonstrate that the necessary transport infrastructure, school capacity, community facilities, environmental protections and public services are in place to support the scale of development proposed.

For these reasons, I respectfully request that South Dublin County Council reconsider these proposed material alterations and ensure that infrastructure, public services and environmental protections are delivered before any further significant development proceeds in the St. Edmundsbury area.

Thank you for considering my submission.

Yours faithfully,

Nicola Gilchrist