Objection to MA St. Edmundsbury: Retain High Amenity and Protect Liffey Riverside Green Space
I am writing to register my strongest possible objection to any material alteration or proposal that enables the rezoning or development of the St. Edmundsbury lands (MA St. Edmundsbury). Having grown up in Lucan, I hold a deep personal connection to this sacred landscape, and I am deeply concerned about the catastrophic, permanent impact development here would bring.
St. Edmundsbury is not merely empty space waiting to be built upon; it is a thriving green sanctuary, a working farm, and a vital part of Lucan’s natural identity. As someone who uses and cherishes this space with my family, it provides us with essential access to nature, clean air, and the Liffey Riverside. If concrete replaces these historic fields, the damage will be completely irreversible. Once this land is destroyed, no future council or generation can ever restore it.
I urge South Dublin County Council to reject any development path for MA St. Edmundsbury and maintain its strict protection as a High Amenity, Green Liffey Riverside Amenity and Farm on the following planning and policy grounds:
1. Irreversible Environmental Loss & National Planning Framework (NPF) Alignment
Ecological Corridors: Development on MA St. Edmundsbury would sever the vital Liffey Valley ecological network, causing permanent loss of biodiversity and natural habitats that cannot be offset elsewhere.
National Policy Compliance: The National Planning Framework (NPF) mandates the enhancement of green infrastructure, natural capital, and climate resilience. Destroying riverside agricultural land directly contradicts these national climate and environmental objectives.
2. Preservation of Heritage, Landscape, and "Sense of Place"
Loss of Cultural Identity: St. Edmundsbury is an integral part of Lucan’s historic landscape. Allowing development here strips current and future residents of a heritage site that defines the character of our community.
Community Well-being: The NPF highlights the crucial link between natural open spaces and public health. For local families who depend on this landscape for mental and physical well-being, losing access to this green space will diminish the quality of life across Lucan.
3. Protection of Open Space for a Growing Population
Lucan has already absorbed vast residential growth over recent decades. This rapid expansion makes the retention of remaining contiguous green amenities—especially along the Liffey—more critical than ever. Replacing a functioning farm and riverside amenity with concrete structures permanently deprives our expanding community of its most essential natural lung.
Conclusion
St. Edmundsbury is a sacred, irreplaceable asset for Lucan. I urge the Elected Members and Chief Executive of South Dublin County Council to stand with the local community, protect our heritage, and vote NO to any development or rezoning under MA St. Edmundsbury. Please preserve this land as a protected High Amenity green space and farm for generations to come.