These lands in St. Edmundsbury are currently High Amenity (HA-LV), a designation which exists to protect and enhance the outstanding character and amenity of the Liffey Valley. The South Dublin County Development Plan also contains clear objectives to protect landscape character, biodiversity and Green Infrastructure. A decision to re-zone these lands in St. Edmudsbury for residential building would irrevocably damage the natural wildlife and ecosystems which currently exist on these lands, significantly diminishing the natural amenity of the area for current and future generations.

Furthermore, Lucan has absorbed a disproportionate increase in re-zoning for new residential dwellings over the past number of years. This increased residential density has occurred in the absence of adequate transport and other critical infrastructural developments to support it. The net effect has been more traffic, more noise, air and light pollution and significant safety concerns, especially for older adults and children, as traffic density in Lucan has escalated. These issues would be substantially exacerbated by the proposed re-zoning and residential development of the lands at St. Edmundsbury. 

The elected members of South Dublin County Council, representing the strongly-held view of their constituents, have already voted against the re-zoning of these lands for residential development in 2026. This vote and the the democratic mandate which it represents should be fully respected, as this decision not only reflects the will of the people, but is also consistent with the adopted County Development Plan.

I therefore respectfully request that the elected members' of South Dublin County Council decision be upheld and that the existing High Amenity zoning at St. Edmundsbury be retained.