Dear Sir/Madam,
I wish to express my support for the decision of the elected members of SDCC to reject the proposed residential rezoning of the lands at St. Edmunsbury, Lucan, under Proposed Variation No. 2 to the South Dublin County Development plan 2022-2028, and to retain their existing High Emenity(HA-LV) zoning.
Firstly, the very principal of a "doing out" with the current status through yet another public consultation process, equates to the planning authorities refuting its own decision enshrined in the SDCC 2022 - 2028 Development Plan to zone the lands at St. Edmundsbury, Lucan, as High Amenity (HA-LV): "to protect and enhance the outstanding natural character and amenity of the Liffey Valley".
The High Amenity status of St Edmundsbury as expressed under the EPA guidance and Planning and Development Act 2024 makes it a necessity for the land to be preserved for the enjoyment of future generations of residents living on both sides of the Liffey and visitors to Lucan.
As very little has been said on the matter, planning authorities need to retain sufficient natural spaces in our cities to cater for the mental health of our communities. With this in mind, SDCC has a duty of care.
We have been too quick to brush aside the "lock-down" months and the devastating effects this period has had on communities throughout Ireland.
In urban areas, many lived in forced isolation. Away from their families and friends, others had to endure grief and the loss of loved ones.
During that period, many residents throughout Lucan discovered the walks along the river Liffey and the St Edmundsbury land. Many reported the benefits of such walks; a sense of freedom renewed and how energized they felt afterwards. People needed to resource and reconnect. Nature provided this.
The size of Saint Catherine's Park in Fingal and Lucan Demesne, proved to be no longer adequate for the ever increasing number of people living on both side of the Liffey around Lucan.
Government baseline building requirements in the Lucan area have already been passed by 30%. The entire 110 hectares purchased around St Edmundsbury should be purchased by the state, preserved, protected and turned into Park Land for the benefit of all.
I hereby request that the existing High Amenity zoning at St Edmunsbury be retained.
Is mise le meas,
Peter Power