I, Karla Doran, on behalf of Lucan Liffey Collective, a recently formed environmental community group, wish to formally object to any proposal to rezone the St Edmundsbury lands in Lucan for housing. This site is one of the most ecologically, historically, and socially significant areas in the Lucan locality. Rezoning it for residential development would undermine biodiversity, public amenity, river protection, and the integrity of the Development Plan process. It would also place additional pressure on a community whose population has already expanded dramatically in recent years.

1. Biodiversity Value of the St Edmundsbury Lands

The St Edmundsbury lands form part of a continuous ecological corridor along the River Liffey, connecting Lucan Demesne, St Catherine’s Park, and wider riparian habitats. This corridor supports:

• Native woodland species and mature trees

• Bats, otters, kingfishers, and other protected fauna

• Pollinator‑rich meadows and riverbank vegetation

• A natural buffer zone essential for river health and flood resilience

Rezoning for housing would fragment this corridor, remove mature habitats that cannot be replaced within a human lifetime, and introduce noise, lighting, and human disturbance that degrade sensitive species. The site’s ecological value is not incidental — it is core to Lucan’s natural heritage.

Protecting this land aligns with national biodiversity commitments, the All‑Ireland Pollinator Plan, and SDCC’s own Climate Action Plan.

2. Protection of the River Liffey and Riparian Zone

The St Edmundsbury lands lie directly adjacent to the River Liffey, a protected watercourse and one of Ireland’s most important natural assets. Housing development in this location would:

• Increase runoff and pollution risk

• Reduce natural floodplain capacity

• Introduce hard surfaces where soft, absorbent ground is needed

• Threaten water quality and aquatic biodiversity

Riparian zones are internationally recognised as no‑go areas for intensive development due to their ecological sensitivity and their role in flood mitigation. The Liffey has already experienced pressure from upstream development; further encroachment at St Edmundsbury would be irresponsible and contrary to best environmental practice.

3. Loss of Public Amenity and Community Value

St Edmundsbury is one of the few remaining areas in Lucan with the potential to expand public green space, walking routes, and nature‑based recreation. Lucan residents consistently express strong support for:

• More accessible riverside areas

• Nature trails and quiet walking routes

• Outdoor spaces for families and community groups

• Protection of historic landscapes

Rezoning for housing would permanently remove the opportunity to create a public riverside amenity that complements Lucan Demesne and St Catherine’s Park. Once built on, this land is lost forever.

Lucan’s population has grown significantly, yet public green space has not kept pace. Protecting St Edmundsbury is essential to maintaining quality of life and ensuring future generations have access to nature.

4. Not in Line with the Existing Development Plan

The current Development Plan did not designate St Edmundsbury for housing. Any attempt to rezone it now would:

• Undermine the integrity of the planning process

• Contradict the strategic vision previously agreed through public consultation

• Set a precedent for ad‑hoc rezoning of sensitive lands

• Reduce public trust in long‑term planning commitments

The Development Plan is intended to provide stability, predictability, and protection for key environmental assets. Rezoning St Edmundsbury would represent a departure from that principle.

5. Lucan’s Population Has Already Grown Massively

Lucan has experienced one of the fastest population increases in South Dublin, with large new developments in Adamstown, Airlie Park, Kishoge, and surrounding areas. This growth has already placed pressure on:

• Schools

• GP services

• Transport infrastructure

• Public parks and amenities

• Biodiversity and green space

Adding further housing at St Edmundsbury — a sensitive riverside site — is neither necessary nor sustainable. Lucan’s housing needs are being met through planned, serviced, and appropriate development zones. St Edmundsbury is not one of them.

6. Heritage and Landscape Protection

The St Edmundsbury estate and surrounding lands hold significant cultural and landscape value. The mature trees, historic setting, and riverside character contribute to Lucan’s identity. Rezoning for housing would irreversibly alter this landscape and diminish the heritage value of the area.

Protecting St Edmundsbury aligns with the community’s long‑standing desire to preserve Lucan’s historic and natural character.

Conclusion

For all the reasons outlined — biodiversity, river protection, public amenity, planning integrity, population pressure, and heritage — the St Edmundsbury lands should not be rezoned for housing. They represent one of Lucan’s last remaining opportunities to safeguard nature, expand public green space, and protect the River Liffey corridor for future generations.

We strongly urge the Council to retain the current zoning and recognise the environmental, social, and strategic importance of this site.

Yours sincerely

Karla Doran

Chairperson, Lucan Liffey Collective