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 P. Holohan with Councillor D. Donnelly

Amendment 5 - Citywest

SLO to be applied for the maximum level of social housing to be applied as a stipulation upon receiving planning permission for residential dwellings on this land. The 20% requirement to be applied as a requirement when lodging a planning application.

CE Response:

This motion is seeking an SLO for these lands proposed for zoning under the Variation. The SLO would require that the maximum level of social housing (20%) be applied on planning permissions for residential dwellings on this land.  

Planning Act - Part V  

Part V of the Planning and Development Acts 2000 to 2020 was amended by the Affordable Housing Act 2021. Under the Affordable Housing Act 2021, transitional arrangements apply whereby a 10% Part V requirement may continue to apply to certain lands purchased between September 2015 and July 2021, where planning permission is granted up to 31 July 2026. From 1 August 2026, the transitional provisions cease in practice and all planning permissions for housing development are subject to the 20% Part V requirement, irrespective of the date of land purchase.

Land with a 20% Part V requirement require at least half of the Part V provision to be used for social housing support and the remainder can be used for affordable housing, which can be affordable purchase, cost rental or both.  

SDCC Housing Department through planning application agreement balance and manage the supply of social housing and affordable units under Part V as part of its wider housing strategy for the County as set out in the current Housing Delivery Action Plan 2022-2026. 

Conclusion 

It is considered that a blanket 20% social housing requirement would undermine the wider housing need assessment and actions for delivery for the County as set out in the Housing Action Plan 2022-2026.  While it would be possible under the Affordable Housing Act to apply 20% social housing, it is clear that the Act intends to give discretion to Planning Authorities to ensure there is a minimum of 10% social housing but to allow for different types of affordable models to be considered as part of the second 10%.  All lands zoned for residential development arising on foot of Variation No. 2, will be assessed by the Housing Department, having regard to their wider housing context and housing need in the area. This will ensure an evidence-based approach to the application of the 20% Part V while ensuring that social housing is a key element of housing delivery.  

This motion, if passed, would impact the delivery of affordable purchase and cost rental units in the County. As such, this motion is not recommended. 

CE Recommendation 

No change to the proposed Variation