COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

South Dublin County Council Crest

MEETING OF SPECIAL MEETING OF COUNTY COUNCIL

Friday, June 19, 2026

MOTION NO.

MOTION: Councillor W. Carey

Proposed amendment to Variation No. 18 - Grange Castle - Page 628 Motion: to amend CS3 - SLO2 to read

To carry out a study of the lands at Grange Castle / R136 to identify their future reallocation for alternative uses while retaining a full municipal 18 hole golf course within the lands and considering flood risk assessment, existing green infrastructure and riparian corridors.

Reason: in order to maintain the only municipal golf course in South County Dublin Council. Proposed by Cllr William Carey CS3 - SLO2

CE Response: 

The Grange Castle Amendment (no.18) identifies lands zoned ‘OS’ and ‘EE’ within Grange Castle as a proposed Future Strategic Long-Term Development Area (SDA). The Amendment is proposed in conjunction with new Policy and Objectives under Policy CS3 in the amendments to the Written Statement, Chapter 2 relating to Future SDA lands as proposed under Variation No. 2 of the South Dublin County Development Plan (CDP) 2022-2028:  

Policy CS3: Future Strategic Long-Term Development Areas  

‘To progress a plan-led approach to Future Strategic Long-Term Development Areas (‘Future SDAs’) to provide for the long-term housing growth and other land use requirements of the County beyond the current Development Plan period (subject to future rezoning) at the following locations:  

CS3 Objective 1:  

To commence preparatory studies and analysis of the Future SDAs, as identified on the development plan maps, to understand the existing land uses and ecological sensitivities and to inform the preparation of future proposals for rezoning to meet the needs of the County through an holistic approach to plan making. The exact lands to be brought forward as future rezoning may change according to the outcome of these studies.   

CS3 Objective 2:  

To ensure that future plan-led holistic development of the Future SDAs is not compromised by premature development.  

CS3 Objective 3:   

To ensure development of Future SDAs (subject to rezoning) for residential and other uses will be in accordance with an approved plan-led approach, such as a Priority Area Plan or otherwise equivalent appropriate mechanism, which will align housing delivery with, inter alia, climate action objectives, supporting infrastructure, sustainable transport options, educational and community facilities, public open space, green infrastructure networks, cultural heritage and no net loss of important ecological features as surveyed, identified and mapped by a qualified ecologist.    

CS3 SLO 2:   

To carry out a study of the lands at Grange Castle / R136 to identify their future reallocation for alternative uses while retaining a golf course function within the lands and considering flood risk assessment, existing green infrastructure and riparian corridors.’ 

The intent of the motion aligns with CS3 SLO2. It is considered that the wording can be amended to clarify that the golf course is to remain as a municipal course. The amended SLO will state 'To carry out a study of the lands at Grange Castle / R136 to identify their future reallocation for alternative uses while retaining a 18 hole municipal golf course within the lands and considering flood risk assessment, existing green infrastructure and riparian corridors.’ 

Conclusion 

The motion intent aligns with a proposed SLO and it is recommended that the SLO be amended to make it clear that a 18 hole municipal golf course is retained.

CE Recommendation: 

To agree the motion with minor amendment to provide wording of CS3 SLO2 as: 

CS3 SLO 2:   

To carry out a study of the lands at Grange Castle / R136 to identify future reallocation for alternative uses while retaining a 18 hole municipal golf course within the lands and considering flood risk assessment, existing green infrastructure and riparian corridors.’