COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL
MEETING OF DEVELOPMENT PLAN MEETING
Thursday, June 17, 2021
MOTION NO. 212
MOTION: Councillor Peter Kavanagh, Councillor Liam Sinclair, Councillor L. Donaghy, Councillor S.McEneaney
Motion: South Dublin County Council will seek to extend the public owned lands containing Rathcoole Woodlands, either by direct purchase or land swap to incorporate the Woodland in adjacent land, the historical 170 year old double hedged passage to the west, and transitional zone from Woodland to managed park land to the east.
REPORT:
The proposed motion seeks the Council to acquire further land at Rathcoole Woodlands. It is considered that the acquisition of lands is premature pending the outcome of investigations as set out in the proposed amendment. Any decision to purchase or swap lands is not a matter for the County Development Plan.
It is recommended that the motion be amended and Specific Local Objective (SLO) be included for Rathcoole MP lands and Environs. An SLO is more appropriate in this instance as it examines the area in combination with other factors and investigates the potential for alternative land uses having regard to existing habitats, the need for social and affordable housing, community infrastructure and access. The SLO will allow for the proper planning and sustainable development of lands in question.
Recommendation
It is recommended that this motion is adopted with amendment:
Insert SLO (Chapter 2, Core Strategy (CS) Policy 10: Rathcoole, CS 10 SLO1) for Rathcoole MP lands and environs: “To investigate the potential for alternative land uses for the lands currently zoned RES-N (To provide for new residential communities in accordance with approved area plans) and OS (To preserve and provide for open space and recreational amenities) as identified by the SLO on the CDP land use zoning map, having regard to, existing habitats, the need for social and affordable housing, community infrastructure and access. Following this assessment, and where alternative land use arrangements are identified in line with the proper planning and sustainable development of the area, to bring forward proposals for re-zoning.”