Dublin City Development Plan 2022–2028 – Volume 1: Written Statement (as varied by Variations Nos. 1–11)

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   Strategic Context and Vision | Chapter 1 21 The key provisions of the national and regional development frameworks, and also the relationship between these higher level policy frameworks and this development plan for the city, are set out in Section 1.9 below. Appendix 14 sets out a summary of how the plan complies with relevant Section 28 guidance. The core strategy and Housing Strategy inform the Settlement Strategy for the city. Taking account of the development framework set out in higher level national and regional plans, the proposed strategic approach for Dublin promotes the consolidation of the city, maximising efficient use of land and integrating land use and transport, within the context of an over-arching philosophy of sustainability and quality of life factors. The development plan is fully consistent with all of these higher level plans, as is demonstrated in the core strategy (Chapter 2). 1.5 Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) /Appropriate Assessment (AA)/Strategic Flood Risk Assessment (SFRA) 1.5.1 Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) The preparation of the Dublin City Development Plan 2022-2028 is required to undergo Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) in accordance with Directive 2001/42/EC and associated implementing national legislation1 on the Assessment of the Effects of Certain Plans and Programmes on the Environment. SEA is a process for evaluating, at the earliest appropriate stage, the environmental quality and consequences of Plans or Programmes. The purpose is to ensure that the environmental consequences of Plans or Programmes are assessed both during their preparation and prior to their adoption. The SEA process is integrated into the preparation of the draft plan and the SEA Environmental Report. As part of the SEA process, the statutory environmental authorities were informed and consulted through SEA Scoping in relation to the making of the draft plan and the associated SEA. Submissions provided by the environmental authorities have influenced the making of the draft plan and have been incorporated into the Environmental Report and the SEA Statement, which are contained in Volume 5 of the Plan. The Environmental Report sets out policy and guidance in relation to SEA; the findings of consultations; describes the baseline environment; sets environmental objectives; assesses the environmental impact of the plan and proposes appropriate mitigation of potential negative aspects, where required. 1 Planning and Development (Strategic Environmental Assessment) Regulations 2004 (S.I. No. 436 of 2004), as amended by the Planning and Development (Strategic Environmental Assessment) (Amendment) Regulations 2011, (S.I. No. 201 of 2011).

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   Strategic Context and Vision | Chapter 1 22 The SEA Statement summarises how environmental considerations have been integrated into the Plan; how the environmental report and consultation comments on it have been taken into account; the reasons for choosing the Plan as adopted, in light of the other reasonable alternatives dealt with; and the measures decided concerning monitoring. The SEA process is supported by a Strategic Flood Risk Assessment (SFRA). The SFRA provides a strategic assessment of flood risk at a city level, informing land-use planning decisions in the development plan. 1.5.2 Appropriate Assessment (AA) In accordance with the requirements under the EU Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC), the EU Birds Directive (2009/147/EC) and Section 177 of the Planning and Development (Amendment) Act 2010, an Appropriate Assessment of the Dublin City Development Plan 2022-2028 has been carried out to determine whether the plan could have significant effects on European sites, either individually or in combination with other plans or projects. The Appropriate Assessment of the plan furthermore assesses whether any such significant effects would adversely affect the integrity of any European sites, in view of the conservation objectives supporting the favourable conservation condition of the Qualifying Interest habitats and species of European sites. In reaching a conclusion in this regard, consideration is given to any mitigation measures necessary to avoid or reduce any potential negative impacts. An early iteration of the pre-draft plan (comprising an issues paper, Chief Executive's Report on pre-draft Public Consultation Strategic Issues Paper and Minutes of Special Council Meeting on Pre-Draft Development Plan) was subject to Screening for Appropriate Assessment. The purpose of this process is to determine whether or not a plan requires Appropriate Assessment of the likely significant effects on a European site (Natura 2000 network of European sites of conservation importance). Where it cannot be ruled out beyond scientific doubt, and on a precautionary basis avoiding reliance of mitigation policies or measures, that the plan is likely to have potential for significant effects on a range of European site(s), it is deemed that the plan will require an Appropriate Assessment. The Appropriate Assessment of the plan and its proposed policies and objectives has been informed by a Natura Impact Report (NIR) that is included with the plan documentation (Volume 6 of the plan). It has been objectively concluded in the NIR, following an examination, analysis and evaluation of the relevant information, including in particular the nature of the predicted impacts associated with the plan that it will not adversely affect the integrity of any European site, either alone or in combination with other plans or projects. Following on from the release of the plan and its accompanying environmental reports, it is noted that amendments or material changes that have arisen from the earlier stages of the

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   Strategic Context and Vision | Chapter 1 23 plan process have themselves been subject to Appropriate Assessment and incorporated into the plan so that the assessment was concluded (through the formal determination of the Competent Authority e.g. the elected members and its statutory adoption thereafter of the Dublin City Development Plan 2022 – 2028). The following will apply to all plans: To ensure that plans, including land use plans, will only be adopted, if they either individually or in combination with existing and/or proposed plans or projects, will not have a significant effect on a European Site, or where such a plan is likely or might have such a significant effect (either alone or in combination), the planning authority will, as required by law, carry out an appropriate assessment as per requirements of Article 6(3) of the Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC of the 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora, as transposed into Irish legislation. Only after having ascertained that the plan will not adversely affect the integrity of any European site, will the planning authority adopt the plan, incorporating any necessary mitigation measures. A plan which could adversely affect the integrity of a European site may only be adopted in exceptional circumstances, as provided for in Article 6(4) of the Habitats Directive as transposed into Irish legislation. Plans will also be subject to screening for the requirement for environmental assessment, and to environmental assessment if required, in accordance with the provisions of Directive 2001/42/EC on the assessment of the effects of certain plans and programmes on the environment (the SEA Directive) as transposed into national legislation. The following will apply to all development proposals:

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   Strategic Context and Vision | Chapter 1 24 To ensure that planning permission will only be granted for a development proposal that, either individually or in combination with existing and/or proposed plans or projects, will not have a significant effect on a European site(s), or where such a development proposal is likely or might have such a significant effect (either alone or in combination), the planning authority will, as required by law, carry out an appropriate assessment as per requirements of Article 6(3) of the Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC of the 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora, as transposed into Irish legislation. Only after having ascertained that the development proposal will not adversely affect the integrity of any European site, will the planning authority agree to the development and impose appropriate mitigation measures in the form of planning conditions. A development proposal which could adversely affect the integrity of a European site may only be permitted in exceptional circumstances, as provided for in Article 6(4) of the Habitats Directive as transposed into Irish legislation. Development proposals will also be subject to screening for the requirement for environmental impact assessment, and to environmental impact assessment if required, in accordance with the provisions of Directive 2011/52/EU on the assessment of the effects of certain public and private projects on the environment as amended by Directive 2014/52/EU (the EIA Directive) as transposed into national legislation. 1.5.3 Strategic Flood Risk Assessment (SFRA) The development plan also contains a Strategic Flood Risk Assessment (SFRA). A SFRA is an area wide assessment of the existing risks of flooding and the impact of those risks arising from spatial planning policies. The SFRA, including flood zone maps has been carried out in accordance with the Planning System and Flood Risk Management – Guidelines for Planning Authorities (2009) and is contained in Volume 7 of the Plan. 1.6 Housing Strategy, HNDA and Retail Strategy A Housing Strategy in accordance with Section 94 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended) has been prepared (Appendix 1). In addition, a Housing Need and Demand Assessment (HNDA) has been prepared in accordance with the Guidance on the Preparation of Housing Need and Demand Assessment published by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage in April 2021. The quantitative analysis set out in the Housing Strategy and HNDA has been informed by the Structural Housing Demand in Ireland and Housing Supply Targets document, and the associated Section 28 Guidelines: Housing Supply Target Methodology for Development Planning December 2020. A Retail Strategy is set out in Appendix 2 and this has been prepared having regard to the Retail Planning Guidelines (2012).

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   Strategic Context and Vision | Chapter 1 25 1.7 Plan Making Process and Consultation The preparation of this plan included pre-draft consultation with the elected members, the general public, key stakeholders, infrastructure providers, sectoral groups, statutory agencies and adjoining local authorities. The pre-draft public consultation extended over a ten-week period with the launch of an issues paper in February 2021. The consultation strategy included a number of public information events including five online webinars to encourage as much public engagement as possible. There was also active use of social media including an information video. Over 750 written submissions, together with the opinions and comments arising from the public consultation webinars, were taken into account when formulating the draft development plan. The number of submissions and contributions reflects a high level of interest in the future of the city. In considering the views expressed by the public at the pre-draft stage, the elected representatives proposed over 1,000 strategic directions to include in the draft development plan. Following consideration of the draft development plan prepared by the Chief Executive, the elected members proposed further motions for amendments to the draft plan. All changes agreed by the City Council were incorporated into the draft plan which went on public display from 25th November 2021 for a period of 12 weeks. Over 4,300 submissions/observations were received in response to this stage of the public consultation process and the members, having considered the views expressed by the public proposed over 500 motions giving direction to the Chief Executive regarding strategic and policy issues to amend in the Draft Development Plan. The members resolved to amend the Draft Plan at Special Council Meetings in July 2022 following consideration of the Chief Executive’s Report on submissions received and the Chief Executive’s Report on motions received. As these amendments constituted a material alteration to the Draft Dublin City Development Plan, the Council resolved to place the proposed material alterations on statutory public display for a period of five weeks from the 27th of July 2022. In addition to the public display which took place in locations throughout the city including all public libraries and area offices, all public documents were placed on the website specially designed for consultation on the Draft Plan – www.dublincitydevelopmentplan.ie and the City Council’s dedicated social media sites were used to publicise the material alteration display period. Over 1,000 submissions/observations were received on the proposed material amendments and 120 motions were received from Councillors. The members of Dublin City Council then considered the material amendments to the Draft City Development Plan 2022-2028 and the Chief Executive’s Report on submissions received and the Chief Executive’s Report on motions received at Special Council Meetings held on 1st and 2nd of November 2022 and resolved to adopt the Draft Plan.

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   Strategic Context and Vision | Chapter 1 26 The adoption of the plan is a reserved function of the elected members under the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended). The adopted Dublin City Development Plan 2022 - 2028 takes effect from 14th December 2022. 1.8 Form and Content of Development Plan The Dublin City Development Plan 2022-2028 comprises a number of inter-related documents/volumes which must be interpreted as a whole. These are: Written Statement (Volume 1): The Written Statement, which sets out the core strategy and the policies and objectives of the Council for the proper planning and sustainable development of the city. It comprises the main policy document of the Dublin City Development Plan and includes 16 key Chapters. Graphic maps in Vol. 1 are illustrative only. Appendices (Volume 2): The Appendices, contained in a separate volume, include the Housing Strategy and HNDA, the Retail Strategy, together with a number of other technical appendices. Mapping (Volume 3): The zoning maps and other strategic maps give a graphic representation of the proposals in the plan, indicating land use and other objectives of the Council. They do not purport to be accurate survey maps from which site dimensions or other survey data can be measured. Should any conflict arise between the written statement and the maps or diagrams, the written statement shall take precedence. Additional Volumes: There are four further volumes in the plan. These include: Volume 4: The Record of Protected Structures. Volume 5: The Strategic Environmental Assessment Report. Volume 6: The Appropriate Assessment Report. Volume 7: Strategic Flood Risk Assessment. 1.9 Strategic Policy Context 1.9.1 Introduction Since the adoption of the current Dublin City Development Plan in 2016, significant changes have occurred in the policy and regulatory environment for land use planning and development in Ireland. The plan is informed by a hierarchy of international, national and regional policies, which are now in place.

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   Strategic Context and Vision | Chapter 1 27 Figure 1-3: Key National, Regional and Local Planning Policy 1.9.2. UN Sustainable Development Goals The 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set out a holistic approach to achieving a sustainable future for all. Ireland is committed to achieving the SDGs as set out in the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment ‘The Sustainable Development Goals National Implementation Plan 2018-2020. There is significant alignment between the NPF’s National Strategic Outcomes and the SDGs (see also https://sdgs.un.org/goals).

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   Strategic Context and Vision | Chapter 1 28 It is the Policy of Dublin City Council: SCV1 Policy SCV1 United Nations Sustainability Goals (See also Chapter 3, Climate Change): It is the policy of Dublin City Council to contribute, via this development plan, towards achievement of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development as per link https://sdgs.un.org/goals Figure 1-4: UN Sustainable Development Goals 1.9.3 The National Planning Framework The National Planning Framework (NPF) is a 20-year, high-level strategy to guide development and investment in Ireland. The full document can be viewed at https://npf.ie/. The NPF makes a strong commitment to sustainable land management and resource efficiency in order to support the transition to a low carbon society. It sets out a regional focused strategy for managing growth and providing a counterbalance to the established concentration of growth in the Greater Dublin Area.

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   Strategic Context and Vision | Chapter 1 29 Notwithstanding this, the NPF acknowledges the critical role that Dublin City plays in the country’s competitiveness as the country’s leading global city of scale, and supports Dublin’s growth in jobs and population, anticipating that the city and suburbs will accommodate an extra 235,000 to 293,000 people by 2040. The NPF identifies ten National Strategic Outcomes (NSOs) for the future growth and sustainable development of Ireland to 2040. These outcomes have been a central consideration in shaping the new Dublin City Development Plan. The Outcomes in the NPF are realised through a series of National Policy Objectives (NPOs) with which the Dublin City Development Plan is consistent with. Figure 1-5: NPF National Strategic Outcomes Compact growth is the first NSO and it has particular significance for spatial planning policy, requiring at least half of all future housing and employment growth in Dublin to be located within and close to the existing ‘built-up’ area of the city – specifically within the canals and the M50 ring which will require the progressive relocation of less-intensive land uses outside of this built-up area. This growth strategy will allow better use of underutilised serviced land and buildings, including infill and brownfield land, with more high-quality and higher-density mixed-use

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    Strategic Context and Vision | Chapter 1 30 development accompanied by enhanced amenities, education, health and social services; all supported by sustainable mobility. The NPF sets out that securing compact and sustainable growth requires a focus on the liveability of urban places, continuous regeneration of existing built up areas, tackling legacies such as concentrations of disadvantage in certain areas, and linking regeneration and redevelopment initiatives to climate action. The NPF also sets out a series of growth enablers for Dublin, which have informed the policy approach in the plan. 1.9.4 The National Climate Action Plan 2021 The National Climate Action Plan (CAP) 2021 (https://www.gov.ie), sets out a course of action to address the impacts of climate change on Ireland’s environment, society, economic and natural resources. The CAP identifies the scale of the challenge and examines impacts on a range of key sectors including electricity, transport, built environment, industry and agriculture and charts a course towards ambitious emission reduction targets. The CAP recognises the role that Project Ireland 2040 and the NPF can play in climate action in providing for population growth in a compact, connected and sustainable way and the key role that land use planning can play in progressing climate change mitigation and adaption. The CAP provides a detailed framework which identifies how Ireland will achieve a 51% reduction in Ireland’s overall GHG emissions from 2021 to 2030, and to achieve net-zero emissions no later than 2050. These legally-binding objectives are set out in the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Act 2021. Dublin City Council adopted and is implementing a Climate Change Action Plan (CCAP) for the city for the period 2019-2024 focussed on the areas of energy and buildings, transport, flood resilience, nature-based solutions and resource management. Climate action is a cross-cutting theme and is integrated with every chapter of the plan. In particular, the plan promotes a compact urban form, the integration of transportation and land use planning, protection and enhancement of biodiversity, all of which will help create climate resilient communities and neighbourhoods. 1.9.5 Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy (2019-2031) Dublin City is within the Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly Area (EMRA) and the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy (RSES) (https://emra.ie/final-rses/) for this area sets out a strategic plan and investment framework to shape the development of, and to manage planning in, the region.

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