Having reviewed the material provided throughout the Development Plan Variation process I wish to support the decision of SDCC Councillors not to rezone the land at St Edmundsbury. These lands to the North of the old N4 are an intrinsic part of the Liffey Valley and should be retained in their present zoning or indeed further protected from development.
I am confident that, on the basis of the information provided, there is ample residential development land in the Lucan area. As a lifelong resident of Lucan I recognise the need to develop our area, I welcome the new communities that have been developed over the years, and look forward to further develpment in apprpriate areas. Lands in the Liffey Valley are not appropriate for such development. These lands should be seen as an asset to be protected for the benefit of present and future residents of the Lucan / Clondalkin area.
In addition to the planning considerations which of themselves support the Councillor's decision that this rezoning was not in accordance with the proper planning and development of the area I believe there are substantial environmental grounds for maintaining the current zoning of these lands. The Liffey Valley is a unique environmental feature in the SDCC area. To ensure the protection of that area requires the protection of the adjacent lands to the old N4. This is necessary to avoid the erosion of landscape of the valley, its overall vista, and its ecology and the natural environment of the area. Such intrusive development would not be in the intersts of the area and would breach a number of the principles set out in the National Development Plan, the Birds Directive, Habitats Directive, and associated regulations. The potential damage caused by housing or other development in this area would be irreversible.