DUBLIN CITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN

2011 - 2017

ISSUES PAPER

YOUR CITY; YOUR SAY

January 2009

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DUBLIN CITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN
2011 - 2017

THE BIG PICTURE ISSUES

Contents:

Introduction

International, National and Regional Dimension

Sustainable Dublin

Urban Form and Spatial Structure

Population and Housing

Economic Development and Employment

Movement and Transport

Community Development

Arts & Culture

Landscape and Open Space, Bio-diversity & Recreation

Conservation & Built Heritage

Sustainable Infrastructure

SEA

Appendix 1: Development Plan Timetable

Appendix 2: Development Plan Mandatory Requirements

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Dublin City Development Plan 2011 – 2017 – Issues Paper

What is this Issues Paper for?

Dublin City Council is starting the preparation of a new City Development Plan. This plan-
making process will take two years and will end with the publication of the Dublin City
Development Plan 2011-2017.

Public displays and wide ranging consultation will take place throughout the two year process
and regular updates on what’s happening will be available at www.dublincity.ie

This Issues Paper is meant to kick-start public debate on what broad planning and
development matters should be included in the new Plan. This paper sets out what we
consider to be the main development issues facing Dublin City but the list is not set in stone
and we want to hear what you think.

We want to hear your views on what you think are the ‘big picture’ issues facing the City.
During the two year process there will be plenty of opportunity to raise and discuss more
detailed matters but at this stage we would ask you to concentrate on the ‘big picture’ issues,
and not, for example on the rezoning of particular parcels of land.

If the new Plan is to reflect your concerns and aspirations, in addition to Government
strategies and guidelines, it is important that we have your input right from the outset.

The City Manager very much welcomes your views, or those of any group or organisation you
represent, on what you consider the next City Development Plan 2011 – 2017 should contain.

What is the City Development Plan?

The Development Plan sets out a vision and an overall strategy for the proper planning and
sustainable development of Dublin City over a six-year period. Basically, it sets out policies
and objectives that guide the development of the city in terms of physical growth and renewal,
economic, social and cultural activity, and environmental protection and enhancement.

The City Council is following an integrated or joined-up approach to developing the new Plan
so that all the elements of what makes Dublin a great place to live, work and visit will be
included. To do this we are looking at how the issues for the Plan will help to deliver;
1. An Economic Vision – Developing Dublin City as the heart of the Dublin region and the
engine of the Irish economy with a network of thriving spatial and sectoral clusters, a
focus for creative talent and creative assets
2. A Social Vision – Developing Dublin City as a compact city with a network of sustainable
neighbourhoods which have a range of facilities and a choice of tenure and house types,
promoting social inclusion and integration of all ethnic communities
3. A Cultural Vision – Making provision for cultural facilities throughout the city and promote
awareness of our cultural heritage and promoting safe and active streets through design
of buildings and the public realm
4. An Urban Form and Spatial Vision – Creating a connected and legible city based on
active streets and quality public spaces with a distinctive sense of place
5. A Movement Vision – Helping to build an integrated transport network and encouraging
the provision of greater choice of transport. Planning and zoning objectives will be
brought together to increase the opportunities to live and work close to transport hubs
and corridors
6. A Sustainable Vision – Providing for an overall framework involving key principles,
strategies and objectives to drive a vision of ‘Sustainable Dublin’ over the next 20 years,
making sure that buildings can adapt to changing needs and encouraging better waste
management strategies

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International, National & Regional Dimension

The current Development Plan sets out the framework for the growth of the city in line with the
high-level policies of the National Development Plan, the National Spatial Strategy and the
Regional Planning Guidelines for the Greater Dublin Area. In keeping with these plans, the
current strategy for Dublin supports the consolidation of the city by making the best use of
land, and integrating land-use and transport. The Plan seeks to meet the needs of the city, the
wider region and the State as a whole. As the Capital City, it is vital that Dublin continues to
grow and operate on an international scale while at the same time providing for the needs of
its residents, workers and visitors alike.

While the Regional Planning Guidelines support the National Spatial Strategy, the
development surge which resulted from our recent long period of economic success has put
pressure on infrastructure, created unsustainable commuting patterns and led to a wearing
away in the quality of the natural environment in some areas.

In addition the built-up area of Dublin City has now extended to the entire City Boundary
including north, west & south, and this trend is likely to continue e.g. at Naas Road.
Therefore there is an increasing need for co-operation between local authorities in the City
Region.

There is also a growing sense that Dublin should be more strongly promoted as a city region.
A consolidating city region, with some two million people by 2020, is more likely to be able to
compete and work with city regions outside Ireland for investment, jobs, tourism etc., provided
the Dublin City Region is developed as a sustainable metropolitan area with quality of life as
its core value.

International Dimension
At an international level Dublin operates in a globalised world economy where city regions
play an increasingly important role. These city regions compete not only on economic
grounds, but also across the environmental, social and cultural spectrum. Quality of life in
Dublin is a key factor that makes the City attractive for foreign investment. In addition,
international benchmarking is now a standard way to compare cities and it is critical that
Dublin develops strong citywide strategies to maintain and build on our international status.
We also need to build partnerships between other global city regions.

National Dimension
The National Spatial Strategy is a 20-year framework for balanced regional development
across Ireland. The Strategy recognises the important role Dublin that plays in the economic
life of the region and country. The Strategy recognises too that successful European capitals
have a key role in promoting the interests of the country in an international arena.

The National Development Plan recognises the unique role of the capital as a national
gateway and sees the implementation of Transport 21 as part of the sustainable consolidation
of the City by integrating transport and land use. The National Spatial Strategy also supports
quality consolidation and the need to develop the national roles of Dublin Airport and the
Trans European Road Network, all of which are necessary parts of Dublin as our national
hub.

Regional Dimension
The Regional Planning Guidelines for the Greater Dublin Area 2004 includes a strong vision
for Dublin as a major European centre, competing and collaborating as a city region
internationally.

The Settlement Strategy in the Guidelines sets out a clear hierarchy with the metropolitan
area as its core. The City forms the central part of this metropolitan area. The main vision for
the metropolitan area is one of a compact, sustainable city, supported by a much enhanced
public transport system and community infrastructure. Nevertheless, the recent economic
boom has put pressure on this infrastructure, leading to unsustainable urban sprawl.

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The Regional Dimension for Dublin tends to be focused on transport and population. Other
cities have wider portfolios in relation to the economy, multi-centred specialisms, green
infrastructure, city branding and cross sectoral alliances / governance.

The Big Picture Questions

• How can we further develop collaborative city networks (e.g. with our twin cities,
such as San Jose) to facilitate information exchange and encourage partnership
in projects?

• How can we build a consensus to brand and promote the Dublin City Region
internationally?

• What can be done in the next Development Plan to support and develop a
creative alliance of sectors in Dublin, including the educational and research
sectors? For example, is there a need for an international school?

• How can the Development Plan achieve economies of scale to make sure it
remains a major Global and European Centre, while still serving the needs of the
city region and the country as a whole?

• How can we maintain Dublin as the national gateway for the country as a whole
and internationally (through its airport, port and emerging Transport 21 Network)?

• What collaborative mechanisms can be put in place across the region to support
environmentally sustainable programmes (water supply, wastewater management,
transport and waste management)?

• What further arrangements should be put in place between statutory agencies to

manage the structure and form of a consolidating Metropolitan area e.g. along the
major transport radial routes?

• How can open spaces and green links in the Region be more strongly developed
and managed? (such as river valley, canals, parks)

• What can be done to tackle the problem of unsustainable urban sprawl?

What do you think? Have we left out any of The Big Picture issues?

We want to hear your views…

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Sustainable Dublin

Dublin City Council is taking a sustainable approach to achieving its vision of a vibrant,
healthy, clean, safe, green and inclusive city. This approach involves developing a compact
city, with intensification of mixed-use development built around a well-organised and
developed public transport system. It is a vision of a city where, in the future, all residents will
be within walking distance of local services and public transport.

An environment that supports the wellbeing of the City’s citizens is becoming an important
factor in economic success. Sustainability is both a global and local concern. As a growing
amount of the world’s population live in urban environments, the responsibility is on cities to
plan growth in ways that make better use of key resources such as land, buildings and
construction materials, water, energy and waste. In short, Dublin needs to consume less and
recycle more.

The City Council has been active in promoting a sustainable environment since the adoption
of the last Development Plan. In 2007, the City Council developed a process through which
the City Council follows the principles of sustainability. The process uses a four-step
approach; creating awareness; conducting analysis; developing a vision of a ‘Sustainable
Dublin’ in 2020 and implementing the vision.

Climate Change
It is crucial that the City Council, through the Development Plan, responds to climate change
by making sure that new developments are designed to lessen and adapt to the effects of
climate change. The first priority is to reduce green house gas emissions, primarily carbon
dioxide, which contributes to global warming. A major opportunity is to focus on integrating
land use and public transport as a key strategy in sustainable energy use; the best location
for new residential developments is next to public transport. The City Council has already
made a lot of progress in this area;

 Adopted a Climate Change Policy for Dublin City (May 2008)

 Commissioned a feasibility study and mapping of District Heating Networks in the city
 Adopted the Biodiversity Action Plan, 2008-2012
 Adopted policies for improving energy efficiency and use of renewable energy
sources
 Produced a Draft Action Plan on Energy for Dublin (October 2008)
 Uses Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems to remove pollutants and control surface
water run-off from new developments

But more needs to be done. For example climate change brings with it the challenge of flood
management, due to extremes of weather and increased flood risk and the challenge of
supplying drinking water, particularly during periods of drought. We need to come up with
solutions to make the most of new technologies and natural resource management
techniques.

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The Big Picture Questions

• How can we make better use of key resources of land, buildings, materials, water
and energy for the future sustainable development of the city?

• What should be included in a sustainability checklist for all new development and
in all plans?

• Is the usage of renewable energy sources feasible in City Centre locations and, if
so, how?

• How do we encourage use of the District Heating Network and get commercial
development to use Combined Heat and Power systems?

• How do we protect and increase ecological habitats and identify possibilities to

create new linked habitats, especially, on open spaces, along rivers, canals and
the coast and on institutional lands?

• How can the Council encourage the control and conservation of water, for
example, the use of green roofs, semi permeable paving and rainwater
harvesting, and is there implications for the built environment?

• What development policies would protect the City from the risk of flooding,
especially in high-risk areas?

• Given the downturn in the Irish economy, how can the development sector afford
the additional costs in providing for sustainable infrastructure – can / should the
cost be borne by the consumer i.e. house purchaser?

• Could Dublin take the lead in promoting Environmental Green Industries?

• Should we encourage more sustainable development by linking such

development (including Building Energy Rating) to tax incentives?

What do you think? Have we left out any of The Big Picture issues?

We want to hear your views…

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Urban Form / Spatial Structure of City

The spatial structure of Dublin is provided by both its natural and man-made features. The
river Liffey, together with the area between the canals, containing both the old city and the
world famous Georgian Squares, all help to convey the city’s strong character and identity.
The basic building blocks of this unique urban character consist of individual buildings,
streets, urban spaces and neighbourhoods. At all levels it is important to foster character and
coherent patterns of urban structure, to make the city more legible and create a sense of
place.

The existing Development Plan strategy for the spatial structure of the city has three key
elements:
• Expanding the city centre eastwards to the Docklands and westwards to Heuston
• Developing ‘Prime Urban Centres’ as sustainable hubs in the suburbs e.g. North
Fringe, Ballymun, Crumlin and Rathmines
• Making new “developing areas/regeneration areas, such as Pelletstown, Digital Hub
and Poolbeg

Urban Form & Density

One of the main objectives of the current Development Plan is to create a sustainable
compact city with good public transport, less reliance on cars and a sustainable mix of
services e.g. schools, libraries, shops, parks for each neighbourhood. Dublin is recognised as
a relatively low density city compared to many European cities, although there are a growing
number of good examples of quality higher density accommodation being provided (e.g. the
new Ballymun, St. Anne’s, Milltown and at York Street in the city centre)

A Coherent, Connected City

The city centre contains new clusters of development such as at Docklands, Temple Bar, and
Heuston. Others are emerging, including the DIT at Grangegorman and the Digital Hub. In
addition, a number of new civic spaces have been created for example, the GPO plaza on
O’Connell Street, Smithfield and at the City Hall. The City Council aims to link these clusters
and spaces so that people can find their way around the city and experience Dublin’s unique
character and atmosphere.

Urban Design / Architecture

Urban design is essentially a tool to assist in the craft of creating quality urban spaces; it is
about how buildings are put together to shape and enliven our streets and civic spaces. Good
urban design supports the economic, social, cultural and sustainability goals of the city.

Architecture, if done properly contributes to the quality of urban life, civic pride and city
identity. Good architecture recognises that most buildings work quietly as a backdrop to the
city and in turn allows the city to be distinctive.

Urban Public Space

Public space is fundamental to city living and quality of life. Being able to take part, as
individuals and communities, in our public spaces is an affirmation of democracy, tolerance
and the enjoyment of urban life. Dublin has in the last decade seen the growth of a promising
recent network of public space from Meeting House Square, City Hall, the Liffey Boardwalk
and Grand Canal Dock.

The Suburbs
Dublin’s built-up area is now extending out to the city boundaries, with new communities at
the North Fringe, Pelletstown and Park West. The challenge here is to ensure that these
areas are integrated into the structure of the city. The strategy in the current City Development
Plan is to promote a 4-tier hierarchy of suburban centres:
1st Tier Prime Urban Centres
2nd Tier District Centres
3rd Tier Village / High Street Centres
4th Tier Neighbourhood Centres

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The suburbs also contain some large tracts of industrial lands, which have relatively low
employment provision e.g. at Naas Road and Clonshaugh.

A City of Neighbourhoods
Dublin City Development Boards “City of Neighbourhoods” Strategy 2002-2012, aims to
promote a hierarchy of good neighbourhoods in all areas of the city. There are many
definitions of what constitutes a good urban neighbourhood. The National Economic and
Social Council Report 2004 states that they should have a mix of uses, include all
generations, provide for a balanced work / life and be safe and clean. The Bristol Accord
2005, suggests that a sustainable neighbourhood should be inclusive, well designed, thriving
and tolerant.

Tall Buildings as part of the City’s Urban Structure

Although Dublin remains predominantly a low-rise city, it contains a number of taller buildings
such as Liberty Hall and the Alto Vero building at Grand Canal Dock. In previous centuries
church spires and domes punctuated the city skyline. The current Development Plan protects
the historic city centre including the Georgian Squares while providing for height in certain
locations to promote investment and city identity. However this policy appears to have
resulted in lack of clarity for both developers and the general public.

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The Big Picture Questions

• How can the Development Plan enhance Dublin’s uniqueness in this era of
globalisation?

• How can the Development Plan help integrate regeneration areas into a more
coherent urban structure?

• How can the urban structure facilitate the most sustainable patterns of settlement
and employment?

• How can a tall building policy provide more certainty for investors and the public?

• How can we achieve sustainable densities which will enhance the urban structure of
Dublin and create a place where people will want to live / work?

• How can we create safe and pleasant linkages between different parts of the city?

• How should we design and manage successful streets? Have our recent streets e.g.
Cows Lane, Ballymun High Street been successful?

• How can we retain the urban grain and texture, given global trends for larger
floorplates?

• How can contemporary architecture match the quality and longevity of earlier
periods?

• Should the Development Plan set out principles for good architecture?

• How can we develop public spaces for a variety of events, markets, entertainment,
relaxation etc.?

• How can spaces be designed and managed so that they are safe and clean?

• How can the Development Plan enliven the existing Prime Urban Centres (PUC’s) of
Finglas, Ballymun, North Fringe, Northside, Phibsborough, Rathmines, Crumlin
Shopping and Ballyfermot? Is there a need for new PUCs?

• How can the Development Plan ensure create good, sustainable neighbourhoods
with a distinct identities and strong community pride?

• How can a tall building policy add to the identity and structure of the city in a
coherent way, without compromising the existing historic urban forum and heritage?

What do you think? Have we left out any of The Big Picture issues?

We want to hear your views…

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Population and Housing Strategy

It is essential that Dublin City can provide quality housing in sustainable neighbourhoods to
meet the future needs of all members of the community.

The population of Dublin City is c.506,000 and grew by 2.1% (or 10,430 people) between
2002 and 2006. Most of this growth happened within the Inner City where the population has,
in fact, increased by nearly 50% over the last 15 years. By contrast, parts of the older suburbs
are experiencing a decline in population.

Our Future Population

The Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government has carried out a review
of the population forecasted in the National Spatial Strategy 2002 and made a new projection
that the population of the State would be 5.33 million by 2020. Based on this national figure,
the Department developed a regional target of 2.1 million people living in the Greater Dublin
Area by 2020. The Regional Planning Guidelines revised housing projections indicate that
Dublin City should plan to create 5,120 new homes each year to 2016.

The ability to accurately forecast the future population of Dublin City is difficult due to the
recent slowdown in inward migration coupled with a decline in housing construction.

Building New Homes

Approximately 7,000 homes have been completed in Dublin City each year for the last three
years. However this level of construction has reduced in recent times due to the economic
downturn.

It is estimated that there are 480 hectares (1,186 acres) of zoned land in Dublin City that
could be developed for residential use. However, only a portion of this land will be available
for development at any given time. Dublin City Council adopted a variation to the current
Development Plan in 2007 to achieve larger, better quality apartments to encourage families
to live in the city and has brought in new policy to deal with the management of apartment
developments.

Dublin City Council reserves 20% of all new private residential developments for social and
affordable housing, under planning legislation. Since 2004, Dublin City Council has secured
958 affordable and 380 social housing units by using this mechanism. The economic
downturn will however, have a significant impact on the amount of social and affordable
housing being produced in this way.

The City has been making significant progress in building new residential neighbourhoods
over the past 3 years including the North Fringe (9,000 new homes proposed), Pelletstown
(2,800 new homes built), Ballymun (2,000 new homes built), and Park West (1,200 new
homes built).

Housing Needs and Vacancy

The 2006 Census indicates that the average household size in Dublin City is falling and that
the number of one-person households is rising steadily. One in five people in Dublin City are
over 55 years of age. Younger people aged under 35 are more likely to live in the Inner City.
Approximately 15% of Dublin City’s residents are non-Irish nationals and the majority live in
rented accommodation. The 2006 Census also indicated that there are approximately 26,000
vacant residential units in Dublin City.

Housing Regeneration
To meet the challenge of creating balanced and sustainable communities in the City, the next
Development Plan must support the Housing Regeneration programme to make sure that
regenerated areas have a mix of housing type, size and tenure together with a sustainable
range of community services, employment and public transport.

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Housing for All
Dublin City has done a lot to improve living standards in terms of apartment quality and
management but we need to do more to attract families to live in the City. To encourage
diversity in the City, new housing developments should to be designed to cater for the needs
of all sectors in terms of age, disability, economic situation and ethnic grouping.

The Big Picture Questions

• What is the best way of meeting the housing needs of Dublin City given that there
is a limit to land availability within the City boundary?

• Is Dublin City achieving its objective to provide quality housing located in

balanced sustainable communities?

• Where and how should social and affordable housing be provided within the City?

• How should the next Development Plan react to the changing demography of the
City in terms of household size and other indicators?

• What policies should be included to address the high level of vacant residential
units?

• What needs to be done to further enhance apartment living to ensure a compact

city, which is attractive to all sectors and lifestyles?

• How can the housing needs of all groups in our city be adequately catered for e.g.
disabled, students, older people, homeless etc?

What do you think? Have we left out any of The Big Picture issues?

We want to hear your views…

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Economic Development

Planning and development policies are becoming more and more important for economic
development, employment growth and prosperity.

With unprecedented public and private investment planned for Dublin, the city has the
opportunity to become a world-class city, depending on the policies and approaches adopted
and actions taken. The review of the Development Plan is therefore most timely.

There is an urgent need to make the most of public benefits arising from the unprecedented
level public investment of recent years. For example encouraging high densities and mixed
uses that allow employment and housing to be located together will make best use of public
transport infrastructure.

The need for planning to take economic issues into account and to be responsive to changing
economic circumstances is essential for Dublin’s future growth and prosperity.

Dublin A Global City

Dublin is the capital of one of the most globalised economies in the world and competes
internationally to attract and retain highly mobile investment and key skilled workers. It is the
engine of the national economy. In order to maintain the City’s economic position we need to
address the challenges of global competitiveness. The economic role of the City Centre and
other sustainable centres in the City needs to be promoted in the Development Plan.

Economic Growth
Economic growth in each year since the current City Development Plan was adopted has
averaged 4.7%. However the rapid and dramatically changed economic environment in 2008,
both domestically and internationally, highlights a challenge in reviewing a six year
Development Plan. We need to look at policies that are able to respond to changing economic
circumstances.

A Safe, Clean Green City

A ‘clean, green and safe’ urban environment is now seen to be part of our economic
infrastructure and is important for promoting the city. A safe and attractive city is a major
consideration for businesses when deciding where to locate.

Urban Regeneration
The challenges and opportunities of the regeneration of extensive areas of the city is another
key issue both for economic growth and competitiveness, and social equity reasons. How we
respond to the need for regeneration and the approach we take is of vital importance to the
city.

The Knowledge & Creative Economy, including Enterprise

There is a continuing move towards the knowledge and creative economy, where
internationally traded business, creative and financial services will increasingly be the engine
of economic growth. It is likely that these jobs will be concentrated in large urban centres,
presenting a great opportunity for Dublin and an increasing national economic role.

Agglomeration Economies
The benefits resulting from having a high density of economic activities and people in an area
are well recognised. There is a need to move towards more dense development if good value
is to be obtained from the huge investment in public infrastructure and if the benefits of
businesses specialisms locating in clusters are to be realised.

Broadband Telecommunications
The availability of advanced telecommunications services is an essential part of sustainable
development in the City and is essential infrastructure in meeting the demands of global
economics. To maintain Dublin’s economic position, broadband telecommunications must be
upgraded to next generation networks.

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Retail
Retail in Dublin is facing significant local, regional and international challenges and
opportunities. The Retail Strategy fro the Greater Dublin Area (GDA) 2008-2016 reconfirms
the role of Dublin City centre as the prime retail centre for the region. Retailing on the
northside of the city centre is expected to greatly improve with some significant developments
proposed. The challenge for the south inner city is to develop large floorplates on suitable
sites without compromising the prestige and character of Grafton Street. The challenge for
outer areas is to bring the retail offer up to contemporary requirements.

Tourism
Tourism is facing challenges and opportunities including competition from other cities
internationally. There is a need to continually improve the city’s attractions and the opening of
the Convention Centre in 2010 will be a significant boost. Providing a broader range of hotel
accommodation and spreading the benefits of tourism across the entire city are other
important issues facing the City’ tourism industry.

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The Big Picture Questions

• How do we ensure economic growth in the future will deliver an increased quality
of life for people living and working in the city?

• How can the Development Plan enable Dublin retain its competitiveness in an
increasingly global economy?

• How can planning policies be adaptable and agile in quickly responding to new
challenges and opportunities, while promoting sufficient certainty of land use to
encourage long-term investment?

• How can greater collaboration between the leaders of Dublin’s Business,

University and City Administration sectors be supported toward progressing a
vision of Dublin’s future growth?

• How can urban regeneration approaches be changed to facilitate transition of

disadvantaged areas into sustainable neighbourhoods?

• How can Dublin’s industrial lands be better used for clustering economic activity?

• How can the Development Plan promote a range of start-ups/ incubators in

commercial schemes so that businesses can grow locally?

• How can the Development Plan better foster entrepreneurial activity?

• How can the Development Plan maximise economies specialising in different

types of employment, e.g. green technology, financial services, digital media,
creative industries and biotechnology?

• How can high-speed broadband be provided & promoted across the city?

• How can the Development Plan better distribute the benefits of strong tourism
across the city?

• Can the City Centre develop into a world-class shopping destination?

• How can the retail experience in city suburban areas be more competitive and
offer more choice for the consumer and contribute to sustainable centres which
complement the city centre?

• How can the necessary movement of goods and services within Dublin City be
balanced with the need for a competitive city?

• Is the quality of office accommodation in Dublin city adequate?

What do you think? Have we left out any of The Big Picture issues?

We want to hear your views…

15
Movement and Transport

The vision for transport in the current Dublin City Development Plan is to promote the
integration of landuse and transport so that as much movement as possible is accommodated
by high quality public transport, by walking and by cycling. The basics of the Plan remain
robust, but with car ownership levels continuing to rise and with increasing concerns about
the environmental impacts of the transportation sector, the need to actively promote and give
priority to sustainable transport is even more urgent.

The transportation policies and objectives of the new City Development Plan will continue to
be guided by the Dublin Transportation Office (DTO) strategy document ‘A Platform for
Change 2000-2016’. This strategy sets out an integrated transportation strategy for the
Greater Dublin Area and promotes greater use of public transport as well as public transport
improvements.

The DTO has started to review and update ‘A Platform for Change’. This will be published by
2010, before the new City Development Plan is adopted. Any major changes in policy by the
Dublin Transportation Office will have to be reflected in the new City Development Plan.

Car ownership has been steadily increasing, as has the demand for travel and the movement
of goods. The city’s road network is at full capacity and there is no more room for additional
cars on the city’s roads. The challenge for the next Plan is to meet the growing demand for
travel by sustainable forms of transport other than the private car, i.e. by public transport,
walking and cycling. The biggest challenges facing us in keeping the city moving are set out
below.

Integrating Landuse and Transportation

The integration of landuse and transportation has a key role to play in delivering social,
economic and environmental sustainability. The current City Development Plan has a policy of
encouraging high density development along transport corridors. Parking policies aim to limit
car parking at destination points while the need to travel generally is reduced by designing
mixed-use developments where people live close to where they work, shop and socialize. The
challenge is to refine current landuse and transportation policy so that all new development is
as sustainable as possible.

Sustainable Spatial Strategy

For the first time, the provision of a fully integrated public transport system for the Dublin area
is possible. Transport 21, the Government’s blueprint for the Dublin public transport system,
gives a real opportunity to achieve more sustainable densities. The challenge for the
Development Plan is to develop a spatial strategy based on the most accessible areas of the
city.

Regional Dimension
The traffic that passes through the city area cannot be considered in isolation because trips
begin, not only within the city, but also throughout the Greater Dublin Area. The DTO’s new
strategy will identify areas that are most accessible within the region and that are the most
appropriate locations for more intense development. It might also give the go-ahead for the
different local authorities within the region to jointly prepare plans for development areas that
straddle county boundaries.

Future of the City Centre

The City Centre is the most accessible area of the City for public transport infrastructure. It is
therefore the most appropriate area to consolidate as intensification here can be
accommodated in a sustainable manner. The major challenge is how best to manage access
to and movement within the city, particularly with the significantly increased numbers of
people likely to live, work and study etc. within the canals.

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Mobility Management as an Approach
Mobility Management is an approach used to reduce demand for and use of cars by making
other forms of transport more attractive and practical. Mobility Management has the potential
to play a much stronger role in the new Development Plan so as to encourage and support
more sustainable travel patterns.

Public Transport
The provision of a well functioning, integrated public transport system is key to providing a
true alternative to private car use in the city. Transport 21 projects such as the Metro North,
the proposed rail interconnector, bus investment programme and further Luas line
construction will result in a fully integrated public transport system for Dublin. However there
are some outstanding issues that need to be addressed for example, public transport
integration, bus priority measures, and coordination of transport agencies.

Cycling
Significant progress has been made in providing infrastructure for cycling in the City since the
current Development Plan was adopted. The challenge for the next Plan is to identify what
initiatives can be taken that would motivate greater numbers of people to cycle in the City,
especially to work and education.

Walking
The quality of the pedestrian experience is key to how people perceive and enjoy the City
Centre, and is an important factor in the economic and social life of the wider city. There is
likely to be increasing pressure on the use of footpaths and the public realm (i.e. public places
and spaces) as more and more people will use public transport once the Transport 21
projects are delivered.

Car Parking
Car parking is an essential element of overall landuse and transportation policy within the city.
Current Development Plan policy is to restrict car parking, particularly in areas with good
public transport links, for example there is a restriction on the amount of car parking allowed
in developments within the City Centre. In working towards better integration of landuse and
transport, a review of the existing car parking standards will be essential. There are many
practical issues that will arise in such a review, i.e. ensuring adequate car parking provision
while encouraging a changeover to other forms of transport.

Environmental Considerations
Increasingly, there is a greater awareness of the potential negative impacts of the transport
sector on the environment, both in terms of local air and noise pollution and the effects of
CO2 emissions. The challenge is to encourage people out of the car and on to more
sustainable forms of transport.

17
The Big Picture Questions

• How can the Development Plan make sure that there is better coordination
between landuse and transportation facilities in order to achieve more sustainable
development?

• What areas of the city would benefit from greater access to transport (public &
private)?

• How can the Development Plan support and facilitate timely and reliable links
between the city and Dublin Airport?

• How can the city’s limited road space accommodate the needs of public transport,
pedestrians, cyclists and the private car?

• How can the existing policies in relation to mobility management be strengthened

and expanded in the next Plan to encourage and support more sustainable travel
patterns?

• How can strategic coordination and cooperation between the various agencies
providing public transport in the city be improved, particularly in the context of the
long lead-time until delivery of Transport 21 projects, including the proposed
Dublin Transport Authority?

• How can we motivate greater numbers of people to cycle, walk or use public
transport?

• What measures are needed to create a safe, good quality and attractive streets
for people to move around, socialise and to do business?

• Are car parking standards (i.e. residential, retail, office, etc.) in the current
Development Plan appropriate and adequate? If not what standards should be
introduced?

• What role has the national road network and other road infrastructure to play in
delivering sustainable consolidation within the Dublin City Region?

• How can we satisfactorily accommodate the movement of goods and services in

the city?

• How can the city’s limited road space accommodate the movement of goods and
people to business premises located in the city centre?

• Should there be a “public transport” land use zoning?

What do you think? Have we left out any of The Big Picture issues?

We want to hear your views…

18
Community Development

Successful, sustainable neighbourhoods need community facilities that are fit-for-purpose (i.e.
designed for what they will be used for). These facilities range from schools, libraries,
community centres, cultural spaces, health centres, facilities for the elderly, facilities for
persons with disabilities, childcare facilities, parks and open spaces, places of worship etc.
The timely provision of these facilities can have significant positive impacts on social
inclusion, enhancing quality of life and helping to create attractive and sustainable
neighbourhoods where people choose to live, work and recreate throughout their life-time. A
clean, green, and safe city is another key part of building sustainable, attractive
neighbourhoods.

Social Infrastructure:
High quality social facilities and infrastructure makes an important contribution to the
attractiveness of the city and people’s quality of life. It is also an important factor in attracting
key skilled workers to Dublin. New developments in the city must be underpinned by
sustainable social infrastructure.

Marginalised Communities:
Throughout the city many communities remain marginalised and deprived, evidenced by the
presence of eight Community Partnership Areas in the City Council area. Unfortunately, anti-
social behaviour remains a key concern for residents of some areas in the city. The City
Council is mindful of the need to ‘design out’ crime in new developments. Furthermore, there
are vulnerable areas in the city that contain an over-concentration of social support facilities,
(e.g. hostels and clinics).

Childcare
The provision of affordable, fit for purpose childcare facilities in the right locations throughout
the City is still a priority.

Play Facilities
Play is an extremely important part of a child’s development. With 20% of Dublin City
Council’s population under 18 years of age it is vital that enough play facilities and play
opportunities are provided in all areas of the city.

Education Facilities
As Dublin City moves into a knowledge-based economy its ambitions to be a ‘city of learning
and knowledge’ must be supported by a strong education system including the physical
infrastructure of schools and colleges from preschool right up to 4th level education facilities.

Healthcare Facilities
The provision of adequate healthcare facilities, including specialist hospitals, care services for
the elderly and facilities for people with disabilities, are essential for a healthy city.

Universal Access
While much has been done to improve physical access to the built and outdoor environment
for people with disabilities it remains an ongoing priority for the City Council.

Integration
One of the most significant changes in the City since the adoption of the last Development
Plan has been the increase in ethnic populations. The City is now home to c. 75,000 persons
of non-Irish nationality (15% of the City’s population).

19
The Big Picture Questions

• How can an adequate social infrastructure be provided to communities and how

should it be designed, resourced, managed and maintained so that it remains
sustainable and adequately addresses local needs?

• How can regeneration programmes progress and benefit Dublin City’s marginalised
communities?

• How can the Development Plan facilitate the ‘designing out’ of crime and anti-social
behaviour in new developments in the city?

• How can an over-concentration of social support facilities (e.g. hostels & clinics) in
some areas be addressed?

• How can the Development Plan facilitate the provision of affordable, appropriately
designed and adequate childcare facilities in the right locations?

• What policies should be included in the next Development Plan to ensure the
provision of quality play spaces in new developments for children and young
people?

• How can Dublin City Council facilitate the timely provision of new educational
facilities?

• How can the Development Plan facilitate the provision of appropriate healthcare
and elderly care facilities in the city?

• How can we make Dublin City a universally accessible city?

• What policies are needed in the Development Plan to cater for the differing
housing, retail, economic, religious and recreation needs of the city’s diverse
population?

What do you think? Have we left out any of The Big Picture issues?

We want to hear your views…

20
Arts & Culture

Culture is one of the main elements in a city’s identity. Through its culture a city is defined and
its unique place in the world illustrated. Culture is a key factor in attracting people to live, work
and visit and is an essential ingredient in local place-making and quality of life for its citizens.
For many generations Irish artists, especially novelists, playwrights, poets, musicians and
visual artists have been instrumental in establishing our cultural identity in the world.

Dublin City Council’s policies and objectives in the next Development Plan must be strong
and ambitious enough to support, facilitate and encourage investment in quality cultural
infrastructure in the city, allow for the development of a leading cultural capital where the
cultural needs of all citizens are met and support a city which is capable of attracting talented,
international workers for the city’s growing economy.

Culture and Creative Economies:

Cultural and creative economies are major sectors in Dublin City’s economy and
competitiveness and are key elements in creating jobs and wealth. A major challenge for the
city is to recognise the competition from other international cities in attracting talented workers
and ensure that the cultural experience of the city is as rich as that of other cities.

Cultural Facilities
Dublin City would benefit from a greater range of cultural facilities such as libraries, living and
working spaces for artists, galleries, exhibition space, outdoors event spaces etc. All new
developments should positively contribute to the cultural life of the city.

The Spread of Cultural Activity

There are smaller, discrete areas in the city that are building up as hubs of cultural activity as
well as larger cultural quarters. Every effort should be made to support and expand existing
and emerging clusters of culture, artistic energy, innovation and knowledge throughout the
city, both in the city centre, the suburbs and particularly in regeneration areas.

Cultural Inclusion
The city is now home to about 75,000 persons of non-Irish nationality. Issues that relate to the
cultural needs of the City’s new communities as well as its existing citizens that are currently
‘culturally excluded’ should be addressed. Participation in the cultural life of the city by a wider
spectrum of the city’s population should be encouraged.

The Irish Language

Efforts should be made to ensure that the Irish language features more prominently in the
cultural life of the city thus allowing for a richer cultural environment in the capital.

Public Art
Public art can improve the attractiveness of an area by creating points of interest and a sense
of place in the environment. It can add to the overall quality of life of an area, gain profile for
emerging artists and raise the profile of a development.

Outdoor Festivals and Events

Outdoors events and festivals have increased enormously in the last few years in the city.
Such activities need to be supported by fit-for-purpose venues, supporting infrastructure and
need to be well managed, financed and maintained.

Night Culture
Cultural activity in the evenings and at night is a key attribute of an attractive and successful
city. Dublin City Council is keen to build on the success of ‘Culture Night’ in the City.

21
The Big Picture Questions

• How can culture provision and promotion be used and enhanced to retain a
talented and highly mobile workforce?

• How can the Development Plan help develop and support the growth of cultural
and creative industries in the city (e.g. filmmaking, digital media)?

• Is it feasible that cultural infrastructure be provided ‘as standard’ in larger

developments? For example, to address the shortfall on library provision.

• What is the role of cultural quarters and clusters, both large and small, in the city
in the city? Should additional clusters and quarters be encouraged?

• What policies could be incorporated into the Development Plan to allow for the
Irish language to feature more prominently in the cultural life of the city?

• Are the cultural needs of the ‘New Irish’ different than the cultural needs of the
indigenous population? If so, how can planning help in meeting such needs?

• How can the Development Plan serve to support the living, working and exhibition
needs of artists in the city, particularly emerging artists?

• How can planning exploit the potential of culture in urban regeneration,

community planning, social inclusion and place-making?

• How can we facilitate the provision of multi-functional, fit-for-purpose outdoor

spaces for festivals and events?

• How can the Development Plan encourage a vibrant ‘Night Culture’ (e.g. Cultural
Night) in the city while also ensuring that the residential amenities of adjacent
areas are protected?

• How can we support educational initiatives which serve to enhance the promotion
and development of cultural and creative awareness and skills?

What do you think? Have we left out any of The Big Picture issues?

We want to hear your views…

22
Landscape And Open Space, Biodiversity And Recreation

Dublin City is shaped by its major landscape features - the Phoenix Park, the Liffey, Dublin
Bay and the river valleys of the Tolka and Dodder - complemented by the man-made
amenities and green spaces of the city squares and historic gardens, the parks, canals and
waterfront promenades. All of these features contribute to the City’s high quality environment.

The city’s ‘green infrastructure’ - the networks of green areas around us, the natural heritage
and recreational amenities - plays a key role in creating and sustaining places, making the
city an attractive place to live, benefiting health and well-being and making sure that the
essential components of environmental sustainability are safeguarded. There is a new
emphasis nationally and internationally on planning for and managing the city landscape at a
strategic scale and as a continuous green network.

Major Challenges
Rapid urbanisation and a growing population are placing increased demands on the City’s
open spaces. Although almost one-fifth of the city’s land-area is set aside to preserve, provide
and improve recreational amenity and open space, there are deficits in many areas,
particularly the inner city. It is a major challenge is to find a balance between providing for
economic development while at the same time creating and enhancing urban green spaces.

Landscape and Open Space

The City Council manages over 1,400 hectares (3,460 acres) of public open space and has
started a programme of improvements for 23 parks in the city centre to make these parks
accessible for all.

Creating additional areas of urban green space is a priority for Dublin City Council, in both
newly developing and regeneration areas. New parks are being developed or are proposed
for example, at Tolka Valley Park in Pelletstown and in the Liberties.

A City Landscape Strategy

The major issue for the next Development Plan is how to plan at a high level for the City’s
green infrastructure. An area-wide green space strategy could result in the development of a
hierarchy of parks ranging from sub-regional parks down to pocket parks, and the creation of
links between parks, river valleys and other amenity spaces. Such a linked network would add
to recreation options and tourism infrastructure and would take pedestrians and cyclists away
from busy roads.

Greening the City

Existing areas and streets in the urban environment can be invigorated through greening
initiatives, for example provision of green roofs and soft landscaping can create new habitats.

The City Council maintains more than 60,000 street and roadside trees within the city. The
quality of the city landscapes contribute to the character and visual amenities of the city.

Biodiversity
Biodiversity means the variety of living things, and includes our rare plants and animals as
well as the common species that show the richness of our local environment. Biodiversity
provides important environmental services, reducing pollution, controlling flooding etc. Dublin
City’s natural heritage and biodiversity is characterised by its coastal location and access to
waterways and significant green spaces. The city has EU designated sites on Dublin Bay and
the Bull Island, part of the ‘Natura 2000’ network of protected areas.

The Council has adopted and is implementing the Dublin City Biodiversity Action Plan 2008 –
2012. This Action Plan has identified many areas of high biodiversity interest and features of
the landscape such as rivers, hedgerows, ponds and small woods, which are of major
importance to flora and fauna.

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Sport and Recreation
Dublin City Council’s new Sports and Active Recreation Strategy (2009-2016) is being
developed to deliver enhanced services to encourage healthy and active living. The Council d
is promoting active participation for all age groups, for example the Passport for Leisure
Scheme for the over 55’s gives free or low-cost access to the wide range of facilities
managed by the Council, including swimming pools and pitch and putt. The City Council is
also a key provider of children’s play facilities and is implementing its Policy on Children’s
Play.

Meeting the increased demand for sports facilities is a major challenge, both in terms of
resources and in finding suitable locations for new facilities.

The issue of informal recreation is also increasingly recognised as important, particularly to

encourage out-of-doors activity for children and teens. There is a need to provide space for
unstructured play, for casual games and for young people to hang out in our public spaces
and parks.

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The Big Picture Questions

• Should a City Landscape Strategy be developed for the next Development Plan,
setting out a green network of parks, public spaces and routes?

• How can we find an appropriate balance between accommodating development

and recreational use, heritage and biodiversity needs of the city?

• How can the Development Plan facilitate the provision of more publicly accessible
open space and ensure that the new spaces created are located to meet
deficiencies?

• Are current standards – both quantitative and qualitative - for public open space
provision associated with new developments appropriate? How might new
standards help achieve objectives for sustainable urban development?

• How can we provide for a greening of the city landscape and the protection of
existing natural features including trees and hedgerows? What greening initiatives
should be considered for the city and incorporated into new developments?

• How should the key areas and features of natural beauty or interest and the
landscapes of historic value be identified and conserved?

• How can the Development Plan identify and protect areas or sites of high
biodiversity not designated in the Natura 2000 (EU designated) network?

• How can the Development Plan develop ecological corridors linking green spaces
to benefit nature / wildlife and movement?

• How can we exploit the development process to maximise biodiversity

opportunities?

• How can we make sure that the increasing demand for Sports and Leisure
facilities can be met and that all new developments are addressing the Sport and
Leisure needs of their communities, including new communities?

• How can we provide for informal recreation and play areas suitable for all ages
including older persons and teenagers?

• How can the Development Plan bring about a national, regional and city focus in
development of Sport and Leisure facilities and facilitate the development of key
regional sports infrastructural projects?

• How can the Development Plan assist in ensuring that existing sports /
recreational facilities which form part of educational establishments are made
more accessible to the public outside school hours?

What do you think? Have we left out any of The Big Picture issues?

We want to hear your views…

25
Conservation and the Built Heritage

Our built heritage is a unique resource, an irreplaceable expression of the richness and
diversity of our past. Dublin has developed over the last millennium to become a multi-
layered city with a medieval core area and surviving street pattern, concentrated areas of 17th
and 18th century streets, extensive suburban residential areas from the 19 th century, an
impressive range of Georgian and Victorian public buildings, along with fine examples of 20th
Century architecture.

Each stage in the city’s growth has left its mark on the built form and heritage. We need to
protect our heritage while at the same time promote our city’s economic development. A fine
balance needs to be struck to achieve both objectives.

The historic core of Dublin contains all of the major tourist attractions. Figures show that the
cultural and historic places of interest are a prime reason for visiting the City so there is also a
cultural and economic justification for looking after and protecting our built heritage.

The Record of Protected Structures and Architectural Conservation Areas (ACAs)

Dublin City Council has a statutory obligation to maintain a Record of Protected Structures
(RPS) that gives protected status to all structures that are considered to be of special interest.
There are in over 9,000 buildings on the RPS for the city. A considerable number of these
buildings are considered to be of Local Importance under the National Inventory of
Architectural Heritage Guidelines and perhaps should not be included on the RPS. It would be
an opportune time to reassess these buildings and revise the Record of Protected Structures.

There are areas of the city that are of distinct character, because of their buildings and their
settings. The Planning and Development Act 2000 provides for the protection of such areas
by the designation of Architectural Conservation Areas. The process of assessing and
proposing new ACA’s will continue into the next Plan. Simplified versions of current ACA’s
could be introduced as a means to alleviate current difficulties with adding and removing
buildings from the RPS. This may be an effective way to rationalise the numbers on the
Record particularly in areas that contain generic terraces for example late Victorian terraces.

Views and Vistas

The skyline, views and vistas in the historic core of the City need strong protection but there
may be appropriate locations for some carefully mannered changes to the skyline in limited
areas.

Other Conservation Issues

The Georgian Squares are unique to Dublin and it is considered that the northern squares are
particularly sensitive to development more so than the southern squares. In particular Parnell
Square and Mountjoy Square need specific development policies to balance conservation and
regeneration in light of the impact of Metro North and the opportunity to reuse vacant/derelict
buildings.

‘New’ 20th century architecture has to date not been the subject of coordinated study and
debate. How we should undertake such a study should be considered in the new
development plan.

Heritage
Dublin City Council is preparing a new Heritage Plan which is due for completion in 2009.
The Heritage Plan will be a concise, focused action plan, providing a delivery mechanism for
the policies and objectives included in the City Development Plan.

Archaeology
Dublin City is rich in archaeological heritage. Archaeological research has been
commissioned to bring about a better understanding of Dublin’s Medieval City. This study has
highlighted the need for the protection of important ecclesiastical sites of International

26
significance e.g. St Mary’s Abbey, St. Thomas’s Abbey and urban landscapes of international
heritage importance e.g. Guinness’s Brewery Complex, and the Historic Water Supply.

Other studies have included the City Walls Conservation Plan and the Ship Street Research
Agenda and recommendations from these can be translated into the new Development Plan.

A key issue for the period of the next Development Plan is recording and conserving Dublin’s
unique industrial heritage. The network of Dublin’s churches and graveyards represents an
important aspect of the city’s character. In the late 20th century Dublin City Council acquired
many deconsecrated churches and graveyards and these have been maintained and
managed as public parks. Some of these are used as pocket parks resulting in the removal
of monuments from their contexts, while many have suffered from vandalism and anti-social
behaviour or have been landscaped inappropriately, resulting in further heritage loss.

The Big Picture Questions

• Should the Development Plan designate more ACA’s as a means of rationalising

the number of structures on the RPS?

• What policies should the Development Plan contain to protect Views and
Prospects within the City?

• Should we develop a policy of public access to ground floor 18th century town
houses?

• What policies should the Development Plan include to promote sustainable

conservation of heritage buildings or their curtilage?

• How can we promote the status of our Georgian Squares to increase their historic,
cultural and economic potential?

• What policies should the Development Plan contain to protect our Industrial
Heritage?

• Should we introduce a new zoning for historic open spaces, for example
graveyards?

• What, if any, policies should the Development Plan include to protect important
ecclesiastical sites in the city?

What do you think? Have we left out any of The Big Picture issues?

We want to hear your views…

27
Sustainable Infrastructure

Providing water, drainage, wastewater & waste management infrastructure is fundamental to

achieving a clean and sustainable city.

Water Supply
Drinking water supply for the population of the Greater Dublin Area is provided from water
treatment plants operated by Dublin City Council and Fingal County Council. Supply and
demand for quality drinking water is very finely balanced. Demand will continue to increase to
2020. Without a new long-term source of water supply increased demand will not be met.

The City Council is committed to dealing with water supply and water conservation in Dublin
and a number of projects, for example the extension to the Ballymore Eustace Water
Treatment Plant, reducing water leakage and introducing more effective water bye laws, are
underway. Studies to identify a major new water supply source to meet demand in the long-
term are in also underway with the options of either using a desalination process to treat
water from Dublin Bay or bringing water from the river Shannon being closely examined.

Water Ecosystems
The European Union Water Framework Directive aims to make sure that all natural waters
achieve “good ecological status” by 2015. This is done by providing a new way of managing
water resources and their ecosystems. The environmental objectives and the measures
needed to achieve them will be set out in the River Basin Management Plan for the Eastern
River Basin District (ERBD). The agreed plan will be published in 2009.

Drainage and Waste Water

The Dublin Bay Wastewater Treatment Project has succeeded in meeting its environmental
targets, as well as making progress in creating new recycling by-products such as fertiliser
that is now used in south Leinster. However, problems with the capacity of our infrastructure
to treat wastewater created by our growing population will continue into the future. Even with
the planned upgrade of the Ringsend Waste Water Treatment Plant, maximum capacity will
be exceeded by 2014.

The Greater Dublin Strategic Drainage Study identified the need for an additional treatment
plant and an orbital sewer to be located in North Dublin. Deciding on the location of the plant
and the route of the Orbital Sewer is of great importance so that the land needed can be
reserved.

Waste Management
While prevention and minimization remain a priority for the City Council, the strategy in the
Waste Management Plan for the Dublin Region aims to deliver maximum recycling, use
thermal treatment for the treatment of residual wastes and, by doing so, minimize the use of
landfills for disposing of our waste. By 2013, we should be recycling 59% of our waste,
sending 25% to thermal treatment plants and sending 16% to landfills. While there is progress
in achieving the recycling target, there is an over-reliance on landfill within the region for most
of our waste.

Air Quality and Noise Pollution

Dublin City Council and the other Local Authorities in the Dublin Region are updating the
Dublin Regional Air Quality Management Plan which will address air quality issues, including
emissions from the transport sector. Noise pollution has become an important issue, as it
affects the quality of life and has health impacts. Dublin City Council and the other Dublin
Authorities are preparing a Noise Action Plan which aims to identify and manage sources of
noise in the region.

Shared issues
All of the issues facing the environment have a regional as well as a local impact. We need
greater co-ordination with the other planning authorities in the Greater Dublin Region to deal
with the shared issues we must deal with.

28
The Big Picture Questions

• How can we secure the necessary land, plant and underground corridors for
major utility infrastructure, including water supply and drainage in a compact city
to facilitate its growth and wellbeing?

• How can we change the behaviour of householders towards their use of water by,
for example, promoting and encouraging water conservation, rainwater harvesting
and provision of green roofs and semi permeable paving?

• How do we progress the provision of a new wastewater treatment plant and orbital
sewer?

• How can we encourage sustainability by promoting the reuse of building

materials, recycling of demolition materials, use of materials from renewable
sources, and use of low embodied energy and low toxic materials?

• Should the Development Plan identify and locate recycling facilities for waste
sorting?

• How can we protect residents from noise from uses, such as traffic, shops, offices,
(air conditioning units) and nighttime uses whilst developing a compact city?

• How can new technologies be used as a power source in transport?

• Should new commercial developments be required to provide publicly accessible

waste recycling facilities/bring centres?

• Should the providers of private waste management services also provide a

comprehensive range of public recycling services?

What do you think? Have we left out any of The Big Picture issues?

We want to hear your views…

29
Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA)

Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) is the process by which environmental

considerations are required to be fully integrated into the preparation and adoption of the city
development plan. The SEA involves assessment of the likely significant environmental
effects of the plan prior to it being adopted. It provides for strategic environmental
consideration at an early stage in the decision making process.

The objective of the SEA process is to provide for a high level of protection of the
environment and to contribute to the integration of environmental considerations into the
preparation and adoption of the plan with a view to promoting sustainable development.
It is carried out in parallel with the review of the Development Plan and can help inform and
influence decision-making at each stage in the review process.

How can you participate in this process?

The process involves the preparation of an Environmental Report where the likely significant
environmental effects are identified and evaluated. This will be available and a public
consultation on it with the general public and the Environmental Authorities also takes place at
this time.

The Environmental Report, and opinions expressed by the Environmental Authorities and the
public, must be taken into account during the preparation of the Plan prior to it being adopted.
Once submissions are reviewed, a decision must be made on whether any of the predictions
regarding significant environmental effects need to be revised, and whether any of the
proposed policies should be amended.

The required contents of an Environmental Report are set out in Appendix 2B of the Planning 
and Development (SEA) Regulations, 2004 and will include: 

The contents and main objectives of the Draft Plan and an assessment of alternatives.

Environmental baseline data detailing the current state of the environment.

The significant environmental issues and vulnerabilities facing the County.

The Council’s broad Environmental Protection Objectives.

The likely significant effects on the environment of implementing the Draft Plan

Measures to prevent or reduce any significant adverse effects.

Measures   for   monitoring   the   significant   environmental   effects   of   implementing   the   plan, 
including appropriate indicators to be used.

A non­technical summary.

If it is proposed to amend the Draft Plan the likely significant effects on the environment of
implementing these amendments will also be made available and there will be subjected to
the SEA process.

30
Appendix 1: Development Plan timetable

31
Appendix 2: Development Plan Mandatory Requirements.

The following objectives must be included in a development plan:

• The zoning of land;
• The provision of infrastructure including transport, energy, communication facilities, water 
supplies, waste recovery and disposal facilities;
• The conservation and protection of the environment;
• The integration of the planning and sustainable development with the social, community 
and cultural requirements of the area and its population;
• The   preservation   of   the   character   of   the   landscape   and   of   architectural   conservation 
areas;
• The   protection   of   structures   of   special   architectural,   historical,   archaeological,   artistic, 
cultural, scientific, social or technical interest;
• The preservation of the character of Architectural Conservation Areas;
• The development and renewal of areas in need of regeneration;
• The provision of accommodation for travellers;
• The preservation, improvement and extension of recreational amenities;
• The control of establishments under the E.U. Major Accidents Directive;
• The provision of community services including schools, crèches and other education and 
childcare facilities.

In addition, the First Schedule of the Planning and Development Act, 2000 sets out a wide 
range of other objectives which may be included in a development, plan. These objectives 
relate to the following areas:

• Location and pattern of development,
• Control of areas and structures,
• Community facilities,
• Environment and amenities,
• Infrastructure and transport.

NOTE: This does not purport to be a legal interpretation. For full details see Section 10
and the First Schedule of the Planning and Development Act, 2000.

32
We want to hear what you think about the City.
How has it changed since the last Development Plan was adopted in 2005?
What do you think the Big Picture Issues facing the City up to 2017 are going to be?

Send your views on the questions posed in this Issues Paper or on any Big Picture Issues
you think we may have left out to;

Development Plan Team

Planning Secretariat
Planning & Economic Development Department
Block 4, Floor 3
Civic Offices
Woodquay
Dublin 8

or to

development.plan@dublincity.ie

Updates on the new Development Plan will be regularly available at www.dublincity.ie

Please check in often and keep letting us know what you think!

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