Protect St Edmundsbury: A Vital Green Space for Lucan’s Environment, Health and Community

I wish to object to the proposed rezoning of the St Edmundsbury lands from their current High Amenity designation to residential use.

As a resident of Lucan, I recognise the need for housing and sustainable development. However, future growth must be balanced with the protection of the natural environment, the character of existing communities, and the capacity of local infrastructure to support additional population.

I live close to the St Edmundsbury lands and this area has become an important part of my family’s everyday life. My family and I walk there several times each week, particularly during periods of pressure or stress from work. The open space, nature and tranquillity it provides have a genuine positive impact on our mental wellbeing. My children regularly use the area to unwind after school, and it is also an important place for walking our dog and enjoying time outdoors together.

This natural amenity is not simply an unused piece of land; it is a valuable community resource that supports recreation, connection with nature and the wellbeing of local residents. It is especially important for families and for residents who may not have easy access to other green spaces. The contribution these lands make to healthier lifestyles and improved quality of life should be fully recognised.

The natural environment also has wider health benefits. Maintaining green spaces within increasingly urbanised areas contributes to better air quality and climate resilience. This is particularly important for my family, as my daughter has asthma, and access to cleaner, greener spaces is an important part of supporting her health and wellbeing.

Lucan has experienced significant expansion over recent decades, with large-scale residential development occurring in areas such as Adamstown and Clonburris. While these developments have delivered much-needed housing, the supporting infrastructure has struggled to keep pace. Residents are already experiencing significant pressure on roads, public transport, schools, community facilities and access to green spaces.

The St Edmundsbury lands represent one of the remaining important natural and amenity areas within Lucan. Their value extends beyond the land itself: they form part of the wider green infrastructure network connected to the Liffey Valley Strategic Amenity Area and provide biodiversity value, landscape character, recreational benefit and an important sense of openness within an increasingly urbanised area.

The loss of these lands would be irreversible. Once developed, an important natural buffer and community amenity would be permanently removed. At a time when climate resilience, biodiversity protection and access to nature are recognised as essential elements of healthy communities, it would be inappropriate to reduce these protections without a clear demonstration that alternative options have been exhausted.

I also believe the cumulative impact of further residential zoning in Lucan must be properly considered. The issue is not simply the number of homes proposed on an individual site, but the combined effect of continued growth on already constrained transport networks, local services and quality of life for existing and future residents.

Housing delivery should be infrastructure-led and sustainable. Additional residential zoning should not proceed until existing planned developments are substantially delivered and the necessary transport, community and environmental infrastructure is in place.

I respectfully request that South Dublin County Council retain the current High Amenity zoning of the St Edmundsbury lands and protect this important natural asset for current and future generations.