COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

South Dublin County Council Crest

MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

Monday, June 08, 2026

QUESTION NO. 16

QUESTION: Councillor S. O'Hara

To ask the Chief Executive for a report on the delivery of the evidence-based analysis of employment lands, including the potential for agri-hub employment, that is due to be undertaken as part of the 2 year review of the County Development Plan.

REPLY:

The 2 Year Progress Report of the County Development Plan 2022-2028 was noted at the December 2024 Council Meeting, Item ID: 85242 (Headed Item 12). The Progress Report included Appendix 3 Employment Review which responded to CS5 Objective 6 of the adopted CDP which stated:

CS5 Objective 6:

To ensure, that as part of the two-year statutory review of the Development Plan, an evidence based analysis of employment lands, including the potential for agri-hub employment, will be undertaken and should there be evidence for the need for further employment zoning within the lifetime of the Plan, a Variation to the Plan will be immediately initiated informed by:

- Analysis of the type of employment need

- Analysis of the appropriate location(s) to serve such need and the appropriate zoning objective

- Relevant National and Regional policy and proper planning and sustainable development.  

The report examined the take-up of lands within the EE zoning. Having regard to the analysis indicating that there was sufficient land zoned to meet the employment targets, and to the fact that EE zoning constitutes just one of a number of employment zonings, the report identified that there was no immediate need to undergo a variation to the County Development Plan.

Since then, the South Dublin Economic Strategy 2026-2030 has been prepared and noted by Members. This strategy sets out a vision for sustainable, inclusive and innovation-driven growth.

The Eastern and Midlands Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy is currently being reviewed and has just come off pre-draft public consultation. Once this review is complete, the preparation for the County Development Plan can commence in the context of the SDCC Economic Strategy and the regional approach and objectives for employment and the economy. This will be further informed by population growth within the County, both existing and planned for. The outcome of Variation no. 2 of the County Development Plan will be relevant in this regard.