I fully support the decision, of the elected members of South Dublin County Council, to retain St Edmundsbury as a High Amenity Zone (HA-LV) . It is a sanctuary for the local community to unwind and observe nature uninterrupted. It is a place where biodiversity and red-listed species are allowed to flourish. And it contributes to the greater harmony of the Liffey Valley landscape. It is crucial to the environment and the mental wellbeing of the Lucan residents. A walk on any evening transports you from the mundane, dense housing and noisy traffic, rekindling the soul.
I fully support the removal of the proposed residential zoning at Finnstown Castle. Not only is it a badly needed greenbelt for locals, it is also a renowned heritage site that is steeped in history. SDCC has shown that sufficient housing exists in other parts of the county in order to accomodate the new housing targets. Such an environmental and historical gem provides welcome respite for a densely populated area.
I support the Specific Local Objective requiring underground or undercroft parking. It is forward thinking and an efficient use of valuable urban land that will reduce surface parking.
I support the amendment requiring DART+ South West (or an equivalent rail service) to be up and running before significant residential development begins.
Residents of Lucan and Adamstown have experienced many years of rapid residential growth without necessary transport infrastructure. The stipulation for the rail service to be operational gives confidence to the existing community that sustainable transport will be available when future residents move into the area. It is consistent with the principles of proper planning, sustainable transport and climate action.
I strongly support the additional Specific Local Objectives inserted by the elected members for the Adamstown South & West (Outer) Strategic Development Area.
This area represents one of the largest potential future growth areas within South Dublin County. It is therefore essential that the planning framework recognises that large-scale residential development must be accompanied by the delivery of the infrastructure and public services required to create a sustainable community.
The additional Specific Local Objectives strengthen the Development Plan by recognising the need to plan for:
- A new Garda station and community policing facilities to serve the growing population.
- Additional healthcare infrastructure, including provision for future primary healthcare services.
- A swimming pool and leisure facilities to meet the recreational needs of existing and future residents.
- Strategic road infrastructure to support future development and improve connectivity.
- Enhanced public transport infrastructure, including DART+ South West, Luas and wider strategic transport improvements.
- Community facilities and supporting social infrastructure necessary to create a balanced and sustainable community.
These objectives do not prevent development. Instead, they ensure that future growth is properly planned and that essential public infrastructure is recognised within the Development Plan from the outset.
Lucan is expected to accommodate approximately 35% of the additional housing growth proposed through Variation No. 2 representing one of the largest concentrations of future residential growth within the county.
Despite this significant level of planned development, Lucan currently has:
- No DART service.
- No Luas connection.
- One Primary Care Centre serving a rapidly growing population.
- No public hospital.
- A road network already operating under significant congestion and capacity constraints.
These facts clearly demonstrate why an infrastructure-first approach to planning is essential.