COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

South Dublin County Council Crest

MEETING OF TALLAGHT AREA COMMITTEE

Tuesday, October 28, 2025

QUESTION NO. 9

QUESTION: Councillor J. Spear

"What measures are to be taken as a matter of urgency to ensure that the development (planning application SD23A/0237) complies with the local area plan objectives for CTF1? I refer to your answer to my question on the uncovering of the River Poddle in Tallaght - ITEM ID: 88220. In the Local Area Plan, areas CTF1 and CTF2 are targeted for exploring the uncovering of the River Poddle. However, a new development has been granted planning permission in CTF1 on the basis of the River Poddle being referred to as a "surface water pipe/sewer/drain" (planning application SD23A/0237). It indicates that the river was not considered in the plans at all, let alone its uncovering?"

REPLY:

The Tallaght Town Centre Local Area Plan 2020 is a strategic framework for the sustainable development of Tallaght Town Centre. One of the many objectives of the plan is to "explore the feasibility of uplifting the River Poddle and incorporating into public realm, open space and green/blue infrastructure asset strategies as part of proposals for development". The objective TC15 is specific for the development of the area the plan defines as “the Centre”. More specific, the objective relates to a parcel of land adjacent to the northern and eastern boundary of the Work IQ Innovation Quarter, where the source of the River Poddle is located.

As per the Local Area Plan, the delivery of the objectives will be subject to the planning and development of sites and is reviewed on a case-by-case basis and where relevant. A number of factors are generally considered when proposing to uplift a section of river and as stated in the Tallaght Local Area Plan, they must be feasible. Some key considerations may relate to flood risk and potential risks and implications of uplift, ability to connect and link to high quality public open space, scale and quality of specific section of river and its proximity to rights of way and accesses, public transport and road networks. It should be noted that all proposed development sites that form planning applications are considered in accordance with the objectives of the Local Area Plan