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.
The additional Specific Local Objectives strengthen the Development Plan by recognising the need to plan for:
- A new Garda station and community policing facilities to serve the growing population.
- Additional healthcare infrastructure, including provision for future primary healthcare services.
- A swimming pool and leisure facilities to meet the recreational needs of existing and future residents.
- Strategic road infrastructure to support future development and improve connectivity.
- Enhanced public transport infrastructure, including DART+ South West, Luas and wider strategic transport improvements.
- Community facilities and supporting social infrastructure necessary to create a balanced and sustainable community.
These objectives do not prevent development. Instead, they ensure that future growth is properly planned and that essential public infrastructure is recognised within the Development Plan from the outset.
Lucan is expected to accommodate approximately 35% of the additional housing growth proposed through Variation No. 2 representing one of the largest concentrations of future residential growth within the county.
Despite this significant level of planned development, Lucan currently has:
- No DART service.
- No Luas connection.
- One Primary Care Centre serving a rapidly growing population.
- No public hospital.
- A road network already operating under significant congestion and capacity constraints.
These facts clearly demonstrate why an infrastructure-first approach to planning is essential.