CHAPTER 2: Planning for Growth – Core Strategy, Settlement Strategy

Proposed Amendments:

PA CH 2.1: Section 2.2.11 The Core Strategy, page 41

Insert new text directly before “Capacity of Zoned Lands Fingal Development Plan 2017–2023” as follows:

An Infrastructural Assessment, which provides a full assessment of the larger scale infrastructural requirements for the County was undertaken having regard to the requirements of NPO 72a and Appendix 3 of the National Planning Framework as well as the Development Plan Guidelines for Local Authorities.

Fingal County Council is exceptional in that the entire plan area is serviced and no fundamental constraints were identified by Irish Water. In terms of transport infrastructure, all lands are located alongside existing public road routes with an extensive network of pedestrian and cycle routes and further expansion of the pedestrian and cycle network are underway. Furthermore, almost all lands are located proximate to existing and planned public transport corridors, with costings provided for the larger elements of public infrastructure provided in the Infrastructure Assessment.

It is noted that the NPF specifically discusses the prioritising of development lands and states that there are many other planning considerations relevant to land zoning beyond the provision of basic enabling infrastructure including overall planned levels of growth, location, suitability for the type of development envisaged, availability of and proximity to amenities, schools, shops or employment, accessibility to transport services etc.

Weighing up these factors, together with the availability of infrastructure, assisted Fingal in determining the order of priority to deliver planned growth and development, including supporting infrastructure such as local pedestrian and cycling routes.

PA CH 2.2: Section 2.2.12 Strategic Long-Term Reserve, page 45

Amend Section 2.2.12 as follows:

The strategic location and development potential of lands at Dunsink is recognised within the RSES and this Development Plan. This land area comprises 435 hectares and is located at the south-western fringe of Fingal within the M50. The lands are characterised by their current use for predominantly astronomical and agricultural research, and recreational amenity purposes. There are also a handful of 18^th or 19^th century historic houses with associated historic planting schemes within the area.

The Royal Canal and Tolka River Valley run to the south of the lands while Elm Green Golf Course covers a large part of the western portion of the site, with the closed landfill located to the north. This Development Plan fully understands that the lands at Elmgreen Golf Club are an important community recreational facility and that any development should be highly sensitive to this.

The area also includes the Dunsink Observatory which operates as part of the Astronomy & Astrophysics Section of the Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies (DIAS). Dunsink Observatory has been a centre for astronomical research and public engagement in Ireland since its foundation in 1785, and has been home to many of Ireland's most famous scientists, including Sir William Rowan Hamilton. This unique scientific and cultural feature is an asset for the future development of the area. Due to the nature of the scientific research undertaken by the observatory it has a particular sensitivity to light pollution coming from the surrounding environment which would need to be carefully considered for any future development in the area.

This Plan seeks to provide the Hamilton Way, a pedestrian link from the Observatory to Ashtown Train Station. Located only six kilometres from Dublin City Centre, this area provides a unique opportunity to significantly consolidate the Dublin Gateway in a sustainable manner underpinned by high quality public transport given the site benefits from close proximity to the existing heavy rail network at Ashtown and the proposed extension to the Luas to Finglas. The closed landfill offers an opportunity for a regional park and will be a key part of the amenity facilities of any future urban neighbourhood.

The recently carried out Dunsink Feasibility Study envisaged that the lands could facilitate approximately 7,000 residential units. While recognising these lands as a potential strategic landbank for the County, it is acknowledged that this land bank will require Strategic Development Zone (SDZ) status, or other relevant planning-related designation.

The scale and extent of both areas is significant and has great potential to provide high quality new housing and commercial development within the County. However, there are significant challenges in delivering such lands including provision of physical and social infrastructure, fragmented land ownership, the sensitivity of the historic observatory to increased night-time light levels, and the challenges of implementation. It is likely that the regeneration of these lands will be over a longer time frame than the Plan and the overall impact on the Core Strategy for this Plan is non-existent.

PA CH 2.3: Section 2.2 Core Strategy, page 46, 47, 48

Update specific paragraphs on pages 46-48 of Section 2 to reflect the updated table 2.14 as follows:

Analysis

Having established that all existing lands zoned within Fingal are serviced and located alongside existing or planned public transport corridors and come within the definition of Tier 1, it is reasonable to consider other factors in order to prioritise lands to deliver planned growth and development in line with the NPF.

Consideration was given to the available lands in the context of the sequential approach and the ambitious goal of the NPF of 50% of housing to be provided within or contiguous to the built-up area of Dublin City and suburbs and 30% of housing for other metropolitan settlements.

Analysis shows that the existing capacity of the zoned Fingal lands is 72% 79% within the Metropolitan Area and 27% 21% in the Core. 31% 40% of the capacity is within the Dublin City and Suburbs. Notwithstanding this being below the NPF goal of 50%, it is reflective of the historical approach to zoning in Fingal. The current approach advocates moving towards the NPF goal of 50% within the City and Suburbs…

…The other Metropolitan towns of Swords, Donabate, Malahide and Portmarnock and the villages account for c. 41% ca. 40% which is above the 30% goal.

It is noted that half (52%) 44% of this is allocated to Swords which is designated as a Key Town in the RSES where additional growth has been allocated in accordance with NPO 68 of the National Planning Framework and the MASP...

…The designation of Swords as a Key Town within the Eastern and Midland Region and as outlined in the RSES for the area is aligned with Fingal's long-term approach for the development of Swords as the County Town and for its growth to a city of a sizable scale. Accordingly, the designation of 21% ca. 17% of the overall units to Swords is appropriate and in accordance with the key priorities of compact growth and enhanced public realm in the town centre along with the planned sequential development of Swords. This approach is necessary in line with this strategic vision and ongoing investment in the town….

…Lastly, the Core Region accounts for c. 28% ca. 21% of the capacity. The RSES outlines the growth enablers for this area. Part of this to promote continued growth at sustainable rates, while providing for increased employment and improved local economies, services and functions to allow towns to become more self-sustaining and to create the quality of life to attract investment. In order to facilitate the achievement of compact growth in the Core Region, a target of 30% of all new homes should be within the existing built up area of settlements. The capacity for the Core Region is aligned with the target…

…The Council is actively engaged with social and affordable housing delivery and has a strong supply pipeline which will be delivered over the Development Plan period and will provide for a significant proportion of the annual housing targets for the County. However, in terms of deliverability from a private development perspective, the following factors have been considered:

• 72% 79% of the allocated unit growth is within the Metropolitan Area, and 28% 21% within the Core
• 43% 51% of the allocated growth within the Metropolitan Area is within Dublin City and Suburbs and 30% 22% within the Key Town of Swords.

 

PA CH 2.4: Section 2.2 Core Strategy, page 51

There is a correction to this proposed material alteration. Please click HERE to view the correction.

Update Table 2.14 as follows:

Core Strategy Areas	Settlement Type	Name	CSO Census Population 2016	Estimated 2023 Population	Estimated 2029 Growth	Estimate 2029 Population	Projected Housing Demand (Units)	Total Available Zoned Residential Land	Total Units / Potential Yields	Lands - With Permission (Extant) - Units
Metropolitan Area	(1) Dublin City and Suburbs Consolidation Area	Blanchardstown - Mulhuddart LEA, includes The Ward, Dubber, Tyrellstown, Mulhuddart, Corduff & Abbottstown	34,420	39,583	3,258	42,841	1,761	90	4,495	917
		Ongar LEA - includes Blakestown, Coolmine	50,214	57,746	1,803	59,549	975	33	1,659	785
		Castleknock LEA, includes Roselawn, Delwood, Castleknock Park, Knockmaroon & Lucan North	32,633	37,528	3,005	40,533	1,625	52	2,623	509
		Santry and Ballymun	2,485	2,684	925	3,609	500	12	600	358
		Belcamp and Balgriffin	6,702	7,238	912	8,150	493	36	1,791	-
		Baldoyle / Sutton	13,402	14,474	925	15,399	500	34	1,709	1,386
		Howth	8,294	8,875	925	9,800	500	20	1,006	710
	(2) Key Town	Swords	47,120	54,188	6,077	60,265	3,285	122	6,110	2,468
	(3) Self Sustaining Growth Town	Donabate	7,443	8,187	3,039	11,226	3	112	3,912	532
	(4) Self Sustaining Towns	Malahide	17,053	17,906	1,623	19,528	877	46	1,610	109
		Portmarnock	9,549	10,408	1,060	11,468	573	32	1,120	230
	(5) Towns and Villages	Baskin	349	366	19	386	10	2	24	46
		Coolquay	349	366	37	404	20	37	93	-
		Kinsealy	405	425	268	693	145	11	220	41
		Portrane	1,236	1,298	196	1,494	106	11	106	-
		Rivermeade	720	756	172	928	93	17	174	-
		Rowlestown	896	941	185	1,126	100	48	480	9
Core Area	(4) Self Sustaining Towns	Balbriggan	22,084	23,851	3,519	27,370	1,902	103	3,603	93
		Rush	10,359	10,877	925	11,802	500	53	1,600	338
		Lusk	8,353	8,771	555	9,326	300	27	818	132
		Skerries	9,783	10,272	174	10,446	94	9	273	7
	(5) Towns and Villages	Ballyboghil	681	708	163	871	88	21	206	-
		Ballymadun	424	441	19	459	10	16	41	-
		Balrothery	1,943	2,021	87	2,107	47	11	164	43
		Balscadden	503	523	16	539	8	8	20	1
		Garristown	798	830	160	990	86	20	202	21
		Loughshinny	633	658	38	696	20	4	57	5
		Naul	715	744	83	827	45	11	105	28
		Oldtown	1,028	1,069	93	1,162	50	18	180	14
	(6) Rural	Rural areas	5,446	5,555	126	5,681	68
Totals			296,020	329,289	30,386	359,675	16,425	1,014	35,001	8,782

PA CH 2.5: Section 2.2 Core Strategy, page 51, 52

Insert the following text directly after table 2.14:

Table 2.14 shows where the Projected Housing Demand will be concentrated. It also shows the extent of undeveloped lands in each settlement. The Council will monitor the delivery of housing units to ensure general compliance with the Core Strategy and housing supply targets for the County and to inform the redistribution potential, if required, as per Objective CSXX. This allows for the Council to consider the redistribution of housing population figures where the applicant must demonstrate to the Planning Authority that the proposal is aligned with the overall growth target for the County. The Core Strategy figures for each settlement serve as a benchmark for monitoring to ensure compliance with National and Regional figures and the relevant guidelines

In relation to the delivery of development, Fingal County Council recognises there will be market constraints to delivery at any given time. However, anticipating the market and delivery of specific sites is not an exact science. In this regard, a degree of flexibility has been built into the distribution of the housing and population targets, in line with national and regional policy, to ensure an adequate supply to meet demand. This flexibility requires close monitoring of housing delivery, taking account of the function of each settlement.

For monitoring at a settlement scale, the policy of this plan is to monitor each settlement, with Dublin City and Suburbs settlement as one area, with options to transfer a portion of the allocated units from one neighbourhood area to another, subject to considering a number of key criteria during the lifetime of the Development Plan. This enables for flexibility in terms of locating new housing and allows time to lapse for planning permissions which have not delivered.

Equally, the Council will actively pursue active land management measures provided for under legislation, to ensure that land hoarding is discouraged, and that development potential is released through available mechanisms and initiatives including through central or other funding.

A new policy regarding monitoring and the provision of social and physical infrastructure is proposed to manage the additional zoned lands.

PA CH 2.6: Section 2.2 Core Strategy, page 52, 53

Remove Objectives CSO2 and CSO3 and replace with new objectives as follows:

Objective CSO2 – Monitoring Process for Housing Delivery

Implement a robust monitoring process for all housing delivery for each settlement within the County to allow for ongoing assessment of delivery targets whilst ensuring overdevelopment does not occur in any particular area and to ensure that the delivery of necessary infrastructure is timely to ensure the sustainability of communities.

Objective CSO3 – Delivery of Housing Units

Monitor the delivery of housing units to ensure general compliance with the Core Strategy and housing supply targets for the County and to inform any required redistribution.

Objective CSOXX – Monitoring Process for Housing Delivery

Implement a robust monitoring process for all housing delivery including the performance of large-scale housing developments (Schemes for 100 units+) for each town, village and urban settlement within the County to allow for ongoing assessment of delivery targets whilst ensuring overdevelopment does not occur in any particular area and to ensure that the delivery of necessary infrastructure is provided in a timely manner with the delivery of housing to ensure the sustainability of communities.

Objective CSOXX – Delivery of Housing Units

Provide for flexibility in achieving the housing supply targets and meeting housing demand, the Council will consider the re-distribution of housing and population figures within each settlement. In this regard, where a site greater than 0.25ha has the potential to exceed the allocation for a particular settlement as set out under Table 2.14, the applicant must demonstrate to the Planning Authority that the necessary social and physical infrastructure is in place or can be provided as part of the application to accommodate the proposed development.

The Council will monitor the delivery of housing units to ensure general compliance with the Core Strategy and housing supply targets for the County and to inform the redistribution potential outlined above.

Objective CSOXX – Database of Sites

Maintain and further expand the database of greenfield, brownfield and infill sites as part of the active land management process.

PA CH 2.7: Section 2.2.12 Strategic Long-Term Reserve, page 53

Include the new after Objective CSO6 on page 53 as follows:

Objective CSOXX – Protection of Long-Term Strategic Reserve

Protect the long-term strategic reserve land banks for potential future residential growth and to restrict development except for reasonable intensification of, extensions to and improvement of premises within these areas, subject to normal planning criteria.

PA CH 2.8: Section 2.4 Implementation and Active Land Management, page 54

‘Insert the following text under the Heading ‘Implementation of Active Land Management’ before Section 2.4.1 Local Area Plans:

With regard to the preparation of Local Area Plans, Masterplans or Framework Plans which adjoin or are directly adjacent to the function area of other Local Authorities (including Dublin City Council and Meath County Council in the case of Ballymadun LAP), the Council will seek to engage fully with the Local Authorities prior to, and during the preparation of these plans.

PA CH 2.9: Section 2.4.1 Local Area Plans, page 55

Include additional text directly before the heading “Operational LAPs” on page 55 of the Draft Development Plan as follows:

“Fingal County Council will seek to ensure that the mitigation measures as set out in all statutory Local Area Plans in Fingal will continue to be implemented and managed in accordance with the requirements of the LAPs.“

PA CH 2.10: Section 2.4.1 Local Area Plans, page 56

Amend Table 2.16 as follows:

Table 2.16:      Schedule of Local Area Plans to be commenced over the Plan Period

Swords

Lissenhall East

Flemington

Coolquay

Balscadden

Ballymadun

Belcamp

PA CH 2.11: Section 2.4.1 Local Area Plans, page 56

Amend Section 2.4.1 as follows:

Fingal County Council will prepare these plans over the lifetime of the Development Plan, subject to resources. Following adoption of the Development Plan, a list of LAPs and other strategic plans to be prepared over the lifetime of the Development Plan will be drafted by the Planning Department based on the Council’s priorities and subject to resources.

PA CH 2.12: Section 2.4.2 Masterplans, page 58

Amend Table 2.18 as follows:

Table 2.18:      Schedule of Masterplans to be Commenced over the Plan Period

Garristown

Oldtown

Rowlestown

Balrothery East

Estuary Central

Estuary East

Old School House, Clonsilla

Ballyboghil

Naul

Kilbarrack Industrial Estate

PA CH 2.13: Section 2.4.2 Masterplans, page 58

Amend Section 2.4.2 as follows:

Fingal County Council will prepare these plans over the lifetime of the Development Plan, subject to resources. Following adoption of the Development Plan, a list of Masterplans to be prepared over the lifetime of the Development Plan will be drafted by the Planning Department based on the Council’s priorities and subject to resources.

PA CH 2.14: Section 2.7.2 Role of Each Settlement, page 59

Amend Policy objective CSO41 – LAPs and Framework Plans for Donabate as follows:

• Implement the existing Local Area Plan within Donabate and
• Prepare and implement a Framework Plan over the life of the Plan to guide and inform future development and to include measures to improve and promote the public realm of the village
• Promote and support the provision of a sewage mains connections for Corballis/Balcarrick residents.

PA CH 2.15: Section 2.7.2 Role of Each Settlement, page 59

Amend Table 2.19: List of proposed Framework Plans to include Donabate and Baldoyle Industrial Estate.

PA CH 2.16: Section 2.4.3 Framework Plans, page 59

Include additional text to Section 2.4.3 as follows:

Framework Plans will be advisory in nature, with a long-term vision for the future, allowing sufficient flexibility to manage change depending on the particular circumstances presenting, including societal, economic, environmental and cultural. These plans will be informed by research and baseline data, which will identify opportunities for future development and highlight constraints that may exist in an area. They offer a vision for an area within the structure of the Development Plan.

Pending the preparation of Framework Plans for the relevant areas of the County, development at these locations will be guided by the policies and objectives of the County Development Plan and National and Regional Planning Policy and planning applications will be assessed on their merits having regard to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area.

PA CH 2.17: Section 2.4.3 Framework Plans, page 59

Include the following in the Table 2.19:

‘Knockmaroon House and Estate’
 

PA CH 2.18: Section 2.4.3 Framework Plans, page 60

Include additional text directly before policy CSP9 as follows:

Following adoption of the Development Plan, a list of Framework Plans to be prepared over the lifetime of the Development Plan will be drafted by the Planning Department based on the Council’s priorities and subject to resources.

PA CH 2.19: Section 2.7.2 Role of Each Settlement, page 73

Amend Policy CSP20 – Blanchardstown as follows:

Consolidate the growth of Blanchardstown as set out in the Settlement Strategy for RSES by encouraging infill and brownfield development and compact growth rather than greenfield development and by intensification at appropriately identified locations.

PA CH 2.20: Section 2.7.2 Role of Each Settlement, page 74

Amend Policy CSP24 – Liffey Valley SAAO as follows:

Protect the Liffey Valley Special Amenity Area Orders (SAAO), including the Buffer zone, from residential and industrial development intended to meet urban generated demand.

PA CH 2.21: Section 2.7.2 Role of Each Settlement, page 74

Move Policy CIOSP16 from Section 4.5.2.9 to Section 2.7.2, after Policy CSP24 and amend as follows:

Policy CSPXX – Dunsink Planetarium

Promote the concept of a “planetarium” on the lands of Dunsink adjacent to the Observatory on its Meridian Line.

PA CH 2.22: Section 2.7.2 Role of Each Settlement, page 75

Amend Objective CSO29 – Dunsink as follows:

Prepare a local statutory plan for the Long Term Strategic Reserve lands at Dunsink during the lifetime of this Development Plan, in consultation with the relevant stakeholders, including an infrastructural audit with costings and implementation strategy to enable sustainable regeneration and development of the area over the medium to long term that is cognisant of, and sensitive to the significant historic buildings within the area including the nationally important architectural heritage site of Dunsink Observatory. This plan shall include Dunsink Observatory lands and the provision of a Planetarium.’

PA CH 2.23: Section 2.7.2 Role of Each Settlement, page 75

Insert a new objective after Objective CSO29 – Dunsink as follows:

Objective CSOXX - Designation of Dunsink Observatory

Support the designation of Dunsink Observatory as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

PA CH 2.24: Section 2.7.2 Role of Each Settlement, page 75

Insert a new objective after Objective CSO29 – Dunsink as follows:

Objective CSOXX - Multi-Functional Green Infrastructure Corridor

Develop multi- functional green infrastructure corridor between Dunsink and Tolka Valley Park.

PA CH 2.25: Section 2.7.2 Role of Each Settlement, page 77

Amend Policy CSP25 – Consolidation and Growth of Swords as follows:

‘Promote and facilitate the long-term consolidation and growth of Swords as a Key Town including the provision of key enabling public transport infrastructure, including MetroLink and BusConnects, in accordance with the relevant provisions of the NPF, RSES and the MASP.

PA CH 2.26: Section 2.7.2 Role of Each Settlement, page 83

Insert new policy after Policy CSP37 as follows:

Policy CSPXX – Coastal Cycleway

Support the provision of a coastal cycleway between Malahide and Swords along the Broadmeadow Estuary.

PA CH 2.27: Self-Sustaining Towns Objectives, page 84

Include a new objective in Chapter 2, after CSO60 as follows:

Objective CSOXX – Mitigation Measures

Ensure that the mitigation measures as set out in the Portmarnock South and Baldoyle Stapolin LAPs will continue to be implemented and managed in accordance with the requirements of the LAPs.

PA CH 2.28: Section 2.7.2 Role of Each Settlement, page 84

Amend Objective CSO61 as follows:

Assessment to Inform the Future Transportation Needs of Local Transport Plan Rush

Carry out an assessment Prepare a Local Transport Plan to inform the future transportation needs of Rush. This may include the feasibility of providing a Distributor Road to the west of Rush.

PA CH 2.29: Section 2.7.2 Role of Each Settlement, page 86, 87

Amend text in Section 2.7.2 (page 86 and 87) as follows:

St. Ita's

The existing institutional complex is very extensive and accommodates a large number of protected structures and attractive buildings in an extensive demesne type landscape. Building elements within the complex are landmark structures, which are visible over long distances from the coastline particularly to the south. There are exceptional coastal views from this slightly elevated site.

The need to examine options regarding the optimal re-use and refurbishment of the complex of Protected Structures within the demesne setting was identified by the Council, to ensure the future sustainable use of this important and unique resource. A feasibility study of St Ita's, was completed in November 2013 jointly by Fingal County Council and the Health Service Executive (HSE) to determine the optimal future sustainable use of this complex and to consider the development of new modern psychiatric health care and ancillary facilities having regard to the cultural, visual and ecological sensitivities of the site.

The Feasibility Study identified the St Ita's Hospital complex and demesne as a suitable location for the development of new modern psychiatric health care and ancillary facilities, which includes the provision of a National Forensic Mental Health Service Hospital. It also prioritizes the re-use of the existing hospital buildings (many of which are Protected Structures) together with their maintenance and management into the future; the ongoing maintenance and management of existing trees and woodland and the maintenance and provision for an appropriate level of public accessibility through the site. While several objectives of this study have been realised (including site identification, and now the construction of the new National Forensic Mental Health Service Facility), there are a number of objectives that are outstanding and remain to be achieved.

It is the objective of Fingal County Council to actively support the implementation of the objectives laid down in this feasibility study, or any update or revised version thereof, including specifically those relating to:

• The ongoing development of modern psychiatric health care and ancillary facilities, which includes the provision of a National Forensic Mental Health Service Hospital within St. Ita's.
• The ongoing development of modern psychiatric health care and ancillary facilities within St. Ita’s, including the completed National Forensic Mental Health Service Hospital.
• The reuse of the Protected Structures for appropriate uses together with the on-going future maintenance and management of these structures.
• The on-going maintenance and management of the demesne landscape including the trees and woodland which are an intrinsic part of this unique landscape.
• The maintenance and provision for an appropriate level of public accessibility through the site.

Objective CSO69 – Feasibility Study for St. Ita’s Hospital Lands

Actively support the implementation of the objectives laid down in the Feasibility Study for St. Ita's Hospital Lands completed in November 2013, or any update or revised version thereof including specifically those relating to: The ongoing development of modern psychiatric health care and ancillary facilities (which can include the provisions of a National Forensic Mental Health Service Hospital) within St. Ita's, The ongoing development of modern psychiatric health care and ancillary facilities (including the National Forensic Mental Health Service Hospital) within St. Ita's, The reuse of the Protected Structures for appropriate uses together with the ongoing future maintenance and management of these structures, The ongoing maintenance and management of the Demesne landscape including the trees and woodland which are an intrinsic part of this unique landscape, and The maintenance and provision for an appropriate level of public accessibility through the site.

Objective CSO70 – Protected Structures at St. Ita’s Hospital Complex and Demesne

Promote the use or reuse of all the Protected Structures at St. Ita's Hospital complex and demesne in Portrane as a priority for Fingal County Council. Notwithstanding the use class “HA” Zoning matrix, appropriate uses within the Protected Structures and within the ancillary land areas within the complex including uses which also relate to and are consistent with the historic use of the overall historic complex (established prior to the foundation of the Irish State) will be actively promoted and allowed to proceed subject to appropriate consent where such activities will secure viable sustainable re use of the complex into the future and which will provide for the proper conservation and sustainable development of St. Ita's.

PA CH 2.30: Section 2.7.2 Role of Each Settlement, page 87

Insert a new objective after Objective CSO70 – Protected Structures at St. Ita’s Hospital Complex and Demesne as follows:

Objective CS0XX – St. Ita’s Forum of Engagement

Establish a long term Forum of Engagement, the primary objective of which would be to facilitate the active and progressive bringing back into public and other usages of the Victorian Hospital Buildings, at St. Ita's Hospital at Portrane.