COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF SDZ, LAPS AND PLANNING PROJECTS

Friday, January 26, 2018

MOTION NO. 24

MOTION: Councillor F. Timmons

"This council is mindful of Ireland's unhealthy relationship with alcohol and the effects of excessive drinking on our Families , Friends , Children , Community and our Nation’s Health.  In this regard we will commit to taking the following step - We ask SDCC Planning Department, in relation to the Clonburris SDZ that we as a Council limit alcohol places of sale to the two retail hubs and they must not be within 100m of either a community centre, sports facilities or schools.''

Cllrs G. O Connell, P. Gogarty and L. O'Toole 

REPORT:

Report

The Draft Planning Scheme already accords with the principle of the subject motion in relation to the restriction and scrutiny of off licence uses. Removal of such uses from Local Nodes and further restriction in Urban Centres could deflect them to areas outside the SDZ lands including to existing Local Centres. Restriction of competition in the market would also not be consistent with the Retail Planning Guidelines for Planning Authorities.

It is advised that, under Table 2.1.3 of the Draft Planning Scheme, Off License uses are not permissible within the amenity/open space areas of the SDZ Lands where sports facilities will be concentrated. In the context that such uses are listed as Permitted in Principle in Local Centres under the County Development Plan, off licences are listed as Open for Consideration in the Local Nodes on the SDZ lands. Furthermore, the location of such uses in the two Urban Centres on the SDZ Lands will be subject to restrictions set out under Section 2.4 of the Draft Planning Scheme, which discourage the concertation of off licenses.

Any proposed off licenses on the SDZ Lands will therefore be subject to detailed assessment and scrutiny at planning application stage. Removal of such uses from Local Nodes and further restriction in Urban Centres could result in a deflection to areas outside the SDZ lands including in existing Local Centres where the same restrictions and level of scrutiny will not apply. The proposed motion would also restrict competition in the market in a manner that would not be consistent with the Guidelines for Planning Authorities - Retail Planning (2012).

The intent of the aspect of the subject motion in relation to general restriction and scrutiny of off licenses has been fulfilled by the Draft Planning Scheme and no amendment to the Planning Scheme is required it this regard.

Recommendation

It is recommended that this motion is not adopted.

Strategic Environmental Assessment of Chief Executive’s Recommendation

No interaction with Strategic Environmental Objectives.

Appropriate Assessment Screening of Chief Executive’s Recommendation

No likely significant effects on European sites within the SDZ’s zone of influence are predicted.