Comments

Dear Chief Executive and Elected Members,

I am writing to formally submit my strong objection to the proposed material alterations under Variation No. 2 concerning the Citywest area, specifically regarding the potential for further high-density residential development on the former Citywest Hotel golf course lands.

While I note that Amendment CS8 SLO2 introduces masterplanning conditions, I believe the current proposals do not go far enough to protect the local environment and prevent severe infrastructure strain. I object to these alterations based on the following grounds:

1. Environmental Impact and Loss of Local Biodiversity

• Habitat Destruction: The former golf course lands act as a critical green lung, carbon sink, and ecological corridor for Citywest. Decades of low intensity land use have allowed local wildlife and mobile species to establish vital habitats here.
• Insufficiency of Mitigation: Simply requiring an Ecological Impact Assessment (EcIA) and eco-sensitive lighting is inadequate to offset the permanent, irreversible destruction of this ecosystem.
• Preservation Demand: This green space should be fully preserved as an urban park or dedicated ecological zone rather than being opened up to further residential zoning.

2. Severe Overcrowding and Infrastructure Deficits

• Carrying Capacity: The Citywest, Saggart, and Fortunestown areas have already experienced rapid, unprecedented residential growth over the last decade. Local infrastructure has completely failed to keep pace.
• School and Childcare Crisis: Local primary and secondary schools are already oversubscribed, leaving existing residents struggling to secure places for their children.
• Amenities Deficit: The area drastically lacks sufficient civic spaces, public parks, indoor sports complexes, and youth facilities to support the current population density, let how any additional influx.

3. Transport Gridlock and Public Transport Strain

• Road Network Failure: The local road network, particularly Garter Lane, Mill Road, and the surrounding junctions, faces severe traffic congestion daily. Adding more residential units will lead to complete traffic gridlock.
• Luas and Bus Capacity: The Luas Red Line and local bus routes are already operating at or beyond maximum capacity during peak commuting hours, with residents frequently unable to board carriages.

Conclusion

The proposed masterplanning safeguards are entirely insufficient to mitigate the severe environmental degradation and structural overcrowding facing Citywest. I urge the Planning Authority to reject further high-density residential expansion on these lands and instead rezone this area strictly for community infrastructure and environmental preservation.

Yours faithfully,
Magdalena Zahac