I strongly support the democratic decision of the elected members of South Dublin County Council to reject the proposed rezoning of the lands at St. Edmundsbury from High Amenity (HA-LV) to Residential.

While I fully recognise the need to provide additional housing to meet national targets, I do not believe that St. Edmundsbury is an appropriate location for residential development.

These lands make a significant contribution to the Green Infrastructure network of South Dublin County. As the population of Lucan continues to grow (evidence that Lucan has already contributed significantly in providing housing), the protection of remaining green spaces becomes even more important. Once High Amenity lands are developed, their environmental and recreational value is lost permanently.

The Council's own assessment demonstrates that sufficient lands have already been identified across the county to meet the revised housing targets under the National Planning Framework, with additional residential capacity above the required baseline. Consequently, there is no planning imperative to remove the existing High Amenity zoning from St. Edmundsbury in order to achieve national housing objectives.

Retaining the existing zoning is also consistent with the principles of proper planning and sustainable development. It supports the objectives of the County Development Plan to protect landscape character, biodiversity, ecological networks and green infrastructure while ensuring that future development is directed to more appropriate locations.

I also believe these lands should form part of any future extension of the Liffey Valley Special Amenity Area. Protecting St. Edmundsbury would strengthen the long-term vision for the conservation of the Liffey Valley, safeguard one of Lucan's most important natural landscapes and prevent further pressure for incremental development along this sensitive corridor.

In conclusion, I request that the elected members' decision be upheld as required in any democracy, and that the existing High Amenity (HA-LV) zoning for the St. Edmundsbury lands be retained. To do otherwise would be a direct assault on local government democracy.