Submission in Support of Retaining the High Amenity (HA-LV) Zoning at St. Edmundsbury, Lucan
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing as a Lucan resident to ask that the decision of the elected members to retain the existing High Amenity (HA-LV) zoning at St. Edmundsbury be upheld.
Like many people, I recognise the need for additional housing in South Dublin, particularly affordable and social housing. However, I do not believe that every available green space is an appropriate location for development, particularly where there is no clear planning necessity to do so.
From the information published by the Council, it appears that the revised National Planning Framework housing requirements have already been exceeded through the wider package of proposed rezonings. If there is already sufficient capacity to meet and exceed housing targets, I believe it is both reasonable and responsible to retain the protections afforded to the St. Edmundsbury lands.
The Liffey Valley is one of Lucan's defining natural assets. It provides an important landscape, supports biodiversity, contributes to ecological connectivity and offers an invaluable green buffer between existing communities. Once land with High Amenity status is rezoned and developed, those environmental qualities cannot realistically be replaced.
As our communities continue to grow, access to high-quality natural spaces becomes increasingly important for health, wellbeing and quality of life. Protecting these areas is not incompatible with providing new homes, it is an essential part of creating sustainable communities.
For these reasons, I respectfully ask that the Council maintains the existing High Amenity (HA-LV) zoning at St. Edmundsbury and upholds the decision of the elected members.
Yours faithfully,
Sarah Argue