The location of the Adamstown West SDZ is a significant planning consideration. These lands are situated on the western edge of County Dublin, forming the transition between the metropolitan area and the more rural landscape beyond. The Planning Scheme should recognise this unique context by ensuring that development density is appropriate to its location.

While higher-density development has an important role to play in locations with established urban centres and high-capacity public transport, it is not appropriate to apply the same intensity of development uniformly across the metropolitan area. Development at the county boundary should provide a gradual transition in scale and density, respecting the landscape character and avoiding the creation of an abrupt urban edge.

The current proposals risk extending the pattern of increasingly dense development that has already characterised Adamstown and Clonburris. Rather than continuing this trend, the Planning Scheme should seek to create a well-designed neighbourhood with a more moderate density, generous open spaces, meaningful green buffers and high-quality landscaping that reflects its position at the edge of Dublin.

Lower building heights and reduced residential density would also help to preserve visual amenity, minimise pressure on already constrained infrastructure, and maintain an appropriate distinction between the urban area of Dublin and the adjoining countryside. This approach would support sustainable growth while protecting the unique character of the western boundary of the county.