COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF DEVELOPMENT PLAN MEETING

Thursday, February 04, 2016

MOTION NO. 15

MOTION: Councillor D. Richardson

Brittas

While CS6 SLO 3 (Core Strategy 6 Strategic Local Objective 3) is welcomed with respect to Brittas, a similar objective has been included in the two previous County Development Plans 2004-2010 and 2010-2016 yet no planning study has been carried out. While the population of South Dublin has grown by 33% between 1986 and 2011 (+65659 persons) the population of Brittas has declined over the same 25 year period by 11% from 192 to 176 persons. The local pub (Blue Gardenia) and shop have both closed and the positive policies and objectives with respect to housing and tourism which are contained in the current Development Plan have come to nothing.

The objective of the planning study will be to ensure the survival of the village in the first place and then to facilitate controlled growth so that Brittas becomes a self-sustaining settlement incorporating the development of the tourism potential of the Brittas Ponds as an Angling venue as well as investigating the development of tourism facilities that can benefit from location of the village at within the Dublin mountains.

It is therefore considered that while objective CS6 SLO3 is positive in light of the inaction that has occurred in the past, Brittas needs more certainty and for that reason it is proposed that a new objective be included to complement CS6 SLO3: -

It is the objective of the Council that the Brittas Planning Study will commence within 3 months of the adoption of the County Development Plan 2016-2022 and will be completed within a period of 12 months.

The study boundary will be defined in consultation with local residents, landowners and local representatives.

Upon completion the Planning Study will be incorporated into the Development Plan by way of a variation to the plan and will include a written statement setting out development objectives and policies for Brittas and associated maps.

Co Signature: Cllr Louise Dunne

REPORT:

It is noted that it is an objective of the current County Development Plan (2010 – 2016) to carry out a planning study of the Brittas Village.

It is advised, however, that the prescription of a short or rigid time frame for the production of a planning study in accordance under CS6 SLO 3 would not take staff resources into consideration and would prejudice and inhibit the outcome and quality of the study particularly in relation to the comprehensiveness of research, public consultation, plan formulation, map production, peer review and desktop publication. This would particularly be the case in relation to Brittas where a wide range of issues require consideration.

Area Plans and Local Area Plans must be consistent with the policies and objectives of the County Development Plan. In terms of the hierarchy of plans, County Development Plans are strategic documents that relate to the development at a Countywide level and not at a local level. It is therefore not considered necessary or appropriate to incorporate any of the numerous local area plans or area plans  into the County Development Plan. This would significantly add to the complexity and volume of the County Development Plan.

It is accepted that the study boundary for Brittas Village should be defined in consultation with local residents, landowners and representatives.

Recommendation

It is recommended that this motion is adopted with amendment:

Amend CS6 SLO 3 to commence the preparation of the planning study for Brittas within 6 months of the adoption of the County Development Plan and for the study boundary to be defined in consultation with local residents, landowners and representatives.