St Edmundsbury
I support the decision to retain the High Amenity zoning at St. Edmundsbury.
These lands form part of the wider Liffey Valley landscape and provide important ecological, visual and environmental value.
Retaining these protections represents sustainable planning while continuing to accommodate substantial housing growth elsewhere throughout the county.
Finnstown Castle
I also support the removal of the proposed residential zoning at Finnstown Castle.
These lands perform an important role in protecting landscape character, heritage, biodiversity and the setting of the historic Finnstown Castle.
South Dublin County Council has demonstrated that sufficient housing capacity exists elsewhere within the county to meet revised housing targets. Retaining these lands as open space therefore represents a balanced planning outcome while protecting an important environmental and heritage asset.
Adamstown SDZ West
I also strongly support the amendment requiring DART+ South West (or an equivalent rail service) to be operational before significant residential development commences.
This amendment significantly strengthens the original proposal by ensuring that strategic public transport infrastructure is delivered before substantial additional housing is occupied.
Residents of Lucan and Adamstown have experienced many years of rapid residential growth while essential transport infrastructure has lagged behind. Requiring the rail service to be operational rather than simply commenced provides a far greater level of certainty that sustainable transport will be available when future residents move into the area.
This amendment is entirely consistent with the principles of proper planning, sustainable transport and climate action and should remain unchanged.
Adamstown South & West (Outer) Strategic Development Area
I strongly support the additional Specific Local Objectives inserted by the elected members for the Adamstown South & West (Outer) Strategic Development Area.
This area represents one of the largest potential future growth areas within South Dublin County. It is therefore essential that the planning framework recognises that large-scale residential development must be accompanied by the delivery of the infrastructure and public services required to create a sustainable community.