Variation No. 2 to the South Dublin County Development Plan

Planning for Growth – Delivering Infrastructure First

Variation No. 2 to the South Dublin County Development Plan was one of the most significant planning
decisions taken by South Dublin County Council in recent years. It was introduced following revised
National Planning Framework housing targets, requiring the Council to consider additional residential
lands and amendments to the County Development Plan.
Throughout the process I worked with residents, community groups and fellow councillors to carefully
examine every proposed amendment. My focus was never to oppose housing but to ensure that future
development is properly planned, sustainable and supported by the infrastructure that communities need.
Following detailed consideration, a number of motions I proposed or co-sponsored were adopted by South
Dublin County Council and became part of the Council’s final position. These decisions were significant
enough that the Council was required to formally explain them to the Office of the Planning Regulator in
its statutory submission.

 

Key Outcomes

Finnstown Castle

I proposed the successful motion to retain the existing Open Space zoning at Finnstown Castle.
The motion was based on concerns relating to:

• Existing residential land capacity elsewhere in the county
• Cumulative pressure on roads and infrastructure
• Protection of the historic setting of Finnstown Castle
• landscape character and settlement separation
• Ensuring infrastructure keeps pace with development

The motion was carried by Council and became the adopted position resulting in the proposed residential
zoning being removed. The Chief Executive’s report responded in detail to each of the planning grounds
raised before recording that the motion was carried.

 

St. Edmundsbury

I also proposed the successful motion to reject the proposed residential zoning of lands at St.Edmundsbury.
The motion sought to protect:

• the High Amenity designation
• biodiversity
• The Liffey Valley ecological corridor
• landscape character
• The long-term environmental value of these lands

Following the Council decision, the proposed residential zoning was rejected and the motion became the
Council’s position in its response to the Office of the Planning Regulator.

 

Adamstown SDZ West

One of the most important amendments secured during the process strengthened the infrastructure trigger
for future development at Adamstown SDZ West.
The original proposal linked development to DART+ South West commencing. Through amendments
supported by Council this was strengthened so that significant residential development cannot commence
until DART+ South West (or an equivalent rail service) is operational.
This provides a stronger safeguard to ensure major housing growth is linked to the delivery of strategic
public transport infrastructure. The Council specifically highlighted this amendment in its statutory letter
to the Office of the Planning Regulator.

 

Long-Term Planning for Adamstown

As part of the designation of Adamstown South & West (Outer) as a Strategic Development Area I also
worked to strengthen the planning framework by supporting additional Specific Local Objectives that
recognise the importance of delivering essential community infrastructure alongside future growth.
These objectives include recognition of the need to plan for services such as healthcare, community
facilities, leisure provision, transport infrastructure and community safety as the area develops.

A Balanced Approach

Planning is about more than delivering housing numbers. It is about creating sustainable communities
where transport, schools, healthcare, parks, recreation and public services grow alongside new homes.
Throughout Variation No. 2 I consistently argued for an “infrastructure first” approach supporting
appropriate development while ensuring communities are not expected to wait years for the facilities and
transport they need.
The final outcome demonstrated that constructive planning, detailed evidence and collaboration across the
Council can strengthen planning policy while continuing to support the long-term growth of South
Dublin.