Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Development Plan 2022–2028 – Written Statement

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   1.1 Introduction The County Development Plan guides future growth and development in the County. The new DLR County Development Plan sets out the policy objectives and the overall strategy for the proper planning and sustainable development of the County over the plan period from 2022 to 2028. The Plan sets out an approach centred on the core principle of sustainability with a focus on creating vibrant, liveable, climate resilient communities. This Plan is consistent with both the ‘National Planning Framework’ (2018) (NPF) and the ‘Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy’ (2019) (RSES). This Chapter sets out the legislative background to the Plan, the context in which the Plan is produced - which has changed significantly since the last Plan was prepared - and the overall structure of the Plan. This Chapter then sets out the overarching Vision which is underpinned by 5 Strategic County Outcomes which permeate all Policy Objectives in the Plan. This approach imbues the Plan, cascading from the Vision and Strategic County Outcomes, through the Core Strategy, policy objectives and standards, and supported through an increased focus on implementation, monitoring and evaluation. Meabh McKenna and Rachel Duffy at the LexIcon Harpathon (Barry Cronin) 3Introduction, Vision and ContextChapter 1

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   1.2 Plan-Making Process This Plan has been prepared following 3 periods of consultation which took the form of public and virtual displays, open days, meetings with stakeholders and service providers, written submissions, briefing sessions for Elected Members, special Council meetings and the preparation of 3 Chief Executive’s Reports on submissions received. The process of reviewing the 2016-2022 County Development Plan and preparation of the new Plan formally commenced in January 2020 with an eight-week Pre-Draft public consultation phase. A ‘Have your Say’ public consultation document was prepared and widely circulated, and six open days were held, one in each Electoral Ward in the County. Submissions were invited, and the Executive prepared a Chief Executive’s Report summarising these submissions and making recommendations on what should be contained in the Draft Plan. A special Council meeting was held with the Elected Members of the Council and a number of Directions were issued requesting strategic matters to be addressed in the Draft Plan. A Chief Executive’s Draft Plan was circulated to the Elected Members in October 2020. This was subsequently amended by the members. The draft Plan then went on display from January to April 2021. That Draft Plan process generated over 1200 submissions from the public and other stakeholders. Amendments to the Draft Plan - which went out on public consultation in December 2020 generated over 100 submissions. This ‘Finalised’ County Development Plan was duly adopted by the Elected Members of the Council at a Special Meeting of the Council held on the 10th March 2022. Blackrock Library 4dlrcoco | County Development Plan 2022-2028

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   1.3 Legislative Background The County Development Plan has been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended (‘The Act’). The legislative basis for the preparation and adoption of a Development Plan is set out in Sections 9-12 of The Act. Section 10(1) provides that the Development Plan shall set out an overall strategy for the proper planning and sustainable development of the area and shall consist of a Written Statement and a Plan or Plans indicating the development objectives for the area. The Act sets out the mandatory requirements which must be included in a Development Plan and these include objectives for inter alia: the zoning of land; the provision of infrastructure; the conservation and protection of the environment; and, the integration of planning and sustainable development with the social, community and cultural requirements of the area and its population. Section 10(1A) of The Act provides that the Written Statement of the Development Plan shall include a Core Strategy which shows that the development objectives in the Plan are consistent, as far as practicable, with national and regional development objectives as set out in the NPF, the RSES and with Specific Planning Policy Requirements (SPPRs) set out in Section 28 Ministerial Guidelines (see Appendix 13 for a full list of SPPRs). The requirement for the Development Plan to be consistent with inter alia the NPF, RSES and Section 28 Ministerial Guidelines is woven throughout the planning legislation that pertains to the review of an existing and the making of a new County Development Plan. Section 11(1A) of The Act states that the review of the Plan and preparation of the new Plan shall take account of the “statutory obligations” of any Local Authority in the area and any relevant policies or objectives for the time being of the Government or of any Minister of the Government. Section 12(11) of The Act refers to the making of the Development Plan and similarly states that in making the Plan that members shall be restricted to considering the proper planning and sustainable development of the area to which the Development Plan relates, the statutory obligations of any Local Authority in the area, and any relevant policies or objectives for the time being of the Government or any Minister of the Government. There are a range of EU Directives that are an important consideration in the Development Plan preparation process. See Appendix 12 for a list of relevant Directives. In accordance with European and national legislation, DLR has carried out: a Strategic Environmental Assessment of the Plan; Appropriate Assessment under the Habitats Directive; and a Strategic Flood Risk Assessment, all of which informed the preparation of the County Development Plan. 1.3.1 Strategic Environmental Assessment Environmental assessment is a procedure that ensures that the environmental implications of decisions are considered before such decisions are made. Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) is the term which has been given to the environmental assessment of plans and programmes, which help determine the nature and location of individual projects taking place. SEA is a systematic process of predicting and evaluating the likely significant environmental effects of implementing a proposed plan or programme, in order to ensure that these effects are adequately addressed at the earliest stages of decision-making, in tandem with economic, social and other considerations. The SEA process was integrated into the preparation of the County Development Plan and the SEA Environmental Report is contained as a separate document accompanying the Plan. 1.3.2 Appropriate Assessment In accordance with requirements under EU Habitats Directive (43/92/EEC), the EU Birds Directive (79/409/EEC) and Section 177 of the Planning and Development (Amendment) Act 2010, the impacts of the policies and objectives of all statutory land use plans on certain sites designated for the protection of nature under European legislation, must be assessed as part of the preparation of the Plan. This process, known as Appropriate Assessment, is to determine whether or not the implementation of plan policies or objectives could have negative consequences for the habitats or species for which these sites are designated. Appropriate Assessment was undertaken as part of the plan-making process and a Natura Impact Report is contained as a separate document accompanying the Plan. 1.3.3 Strategic Flood Risk Assessment A Strategic Flood Risk Assessment (SFRA) is an areawide assessment of the existing risks of flooding and the impact of those risks arising from proposed spatial planning decisions. The national Guidelines ‘The Planning System and Flood Risk Management’ (2009) state that Planning Authorities are required to introduce flood risk assessment as an integral and leading element of their Development Plan functions. The Guidelines set out that Development Plans must establish the flood risk assessment requirements for their functional area. The 5Introduction, Vision and ContextChapter 1

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   Seapoint Beach Guidelines further state that flood risk management should be integrated into spatial planning policies at all levels to enhance certainty and clarity in the overall planning process. In conjunction with the SEA process, the Council carried out a SFRA of the County Development Plan. This SFRA is included as Appendix 15 of the Plan and includes a supplementary set of associated flood zone maps. 1.3.4 Office of the Planning Regulator The Office of the Planning Regulator (OPR) was established in 2019 and oversees the enhancement of Ireland’s planning system by driving the coordination of planning policy implementation across national, regional and local levels, building a stronger knowledge base and ensuring regular reviews of the performance of Planning Authorities and An Bord Pleanála. One of the core functions of the OPR is to independently evaluate and assess statutory development plans and regional strategies, and variations to these, with a view to ensuring that the plan or strategy provides for the proper planning and sustainable development of the area concerned. The OPR may issue a Notice to the Minister recommending that a Ministerial Direction be issued. It is however the role of the Minister to issue any Direction to compel the Planning Authority to address any matter. 6dlrcoco | County Development Plan 2022-2028

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   1.4 Structure of the Plan The County Development Plan comprises a series of separate, but closely linked and interrelated elements. The overarching structure of the Plan includes the following: M The Written Statement; M Supporting Appendices; M Zoning Maps; Flood Zone Maps; and, other supplementary mapping; M SEA Environmental Report; M Natura Impact Report. 1.4.1 Written Statement The Written Statement comprises the main policy document of the County Development Plan. The content of the Written Statement has been prepared having regard to the requirements of the National Adult Literacy Agency Guidelines and incorporates its recommendations where possible. The County Development Plan is however, a legal document and as such much of the wording in the Plan reflects statutory obligations. In the event of any conflict or ambiguity between what is contained within the Written Statement and the supporting maps, the Written Statement will take precedence. The structure of the Written Statement is as follows: Table 1.1: Layout of Written Statement Overall Strategy Chapter 1: Introduction, Vision and Context – The introductory Chapter sets out an overview of the statutory framework through which the County Development Plan is prepared and sets out the overall Development Plan Vision. Chapter 2: Core Strategy - This Chapter sets out the Core Strategy or settlement strategy, consistent with both the NPF and RSES, that will help guide and shape the growth and development of the County. Chapter 3: Climate Action – This new Chapter sets out detailed policy objectives in relation to climate action and the role of planning in climate change mitigation, climate change adaptation, and the transition towards a more climate resilient County. Chapter 4: Neighbourhood – People, Homes and Place – This new Chapter which amalgamates the former Residential, Community and Urban Design Chapters sets out the Policy Objectives for residential development, community development and placemaking, to deliver sustainable and liveable communities and neighbourhoods over the six years of the Plan. Chapters 5 – 11 set out a range of Policy Objectives under a series of specific headings which the Council will seek to deliver upon over the six year life of the Plan and include: Mobility and Transport; Enterprise and Employment; Towns, Villages and Retail Development; Green Infrastructure and Biodiversity; Open Space, Parks and Recreation; Environmental Infrastructure and Flood Risk; and, Heritage. Chapter 12: Development Management – This Chapter incorporates detailed development management objectives and standards to be applied to future development proposals in the County. Chapter 13 sets out a series of Land Use Zoning Objectives – and accompanying definitions – which are given graphic representation through the accompanying Zoning Maps. The purpose of zoning is to indicate the land use objectives for all lands within the County. A new zoning for ‘Sustainable Neighbourhood Infrastructure’ is included in this Chapter. Chapter 14: Specific Local Objectives – This Chapter comprises a series of targeted local objectives. Chapter 15: Implementation, Monitoring and Evaluation - This Chapter details monitoring mechanisms to be put in place to ensure effective sustainable delivery of the Plan and also to allow for greater transparency on the progress made in its implementation. 7Introduction, Vision and ContextChapter 1

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   1.4.2 Appendices The primary Written Statement is accompanied by a separate volume of Appendices (nos. 1 – 17) which incorporates a series of complementary and supporting documents, data-sets and guidelines that help inform and clarify the broader strategic context of the Written Statement. The Appendices of the Plan are as follows: Table 1.2: Appendices Number Title 1 Tiered Approach to Land Zoning – Infrastructure Assessment 2 Housing Strategy and Housing Needs Demand Assessment (HNDA) 3 Development Management Thresholds 4 Heritage Lists: M Record of Protected Structures M Architectural Conservation Areas M Record of Monuments and Places M Industrial Heritage Survey 5 Building Height Strategy 6 Waste Management Guidelines 7 Sustainable Drainage System Measures M Stormwater Management Policy M Green Roofs 8 Landscape Assessment Study and Landscape / Seascape Character Areas 9 Ecological Network 10 Wind Energy Strategy 11 Rights of Way and Recreational Access Routes 12 Policy Context 13 Statement Demonstrating Compliance with Section 28 Guidelines 14 Green Infrastructure Strategy 15 Strategic Flood Risk Assessment 16 Sandyford Urban Framework Plan 17 Interim Dún Laoghaire Urban Framework Plan One South County (Photographer - Enda Kavanagh; Architect - TOT Architects) 8dlrcoco | County Development Plan 2022-2028

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   1.5 Strategic Context Since the adoption of the 2016-2022 County Development Plan, there have been a number of significant legislative and policy changes in the area of planning, including the reframing of policy at both the national and regional levels. In terms of the hierarchy of plans the overarching national plan is now the National Planning Framework with the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy setting out the regional framework for implementation and delivery of the NPF. The RSES also includes the Dublin Metropolitan Area Strategic Plan (MASP) which provides, for the first time, a 12 to 20 year strategic planning and investment framework for the Dublin Metropolitan Area. The DLR County Development Plan seeks to combine the overarching ‘top-down’ policy framework at the national and regional level with a ‘bottom-up’ approach to policy development at the local level. 1.5.1 National Planning Policy Context 1.5.1.1 Project Ireland 2040 - National Planning Framework and National Development Plan The NPF sets out the Government’s high level strategic vision for shaping future growth and development in Ireland up to the year 2040. The NPF replaced the National Spatial Strategy and now represents the overarching national planning policy document, of direct relevance to the planning functions of regional and local Planning Authorities. The companion document to the NPF is the ‘National Development Plan 2018-2027’ which provides the accompanying investment strategy that aligns with the strategic objectives of the NPF. The NPF utilises a set of shared goals which are expressed as National Strategic Outcomes (NSOs), see Figure 1.2 below. Sustainability is key to the NPF and there is significant alignment between the NPF’s NSOs and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, to which Ireland has been a signatory since 2015. Where Policy Objectives in this County Development Plan support the achievement of a specific NSO or National Policy Objective (NPO), the relevant objective is referenced in brackets after the policy objective statement. The key role that land use planning plays in progressing climate change mitigation and adaption is to the forefront of the NPF. Underpinning the NPF is a firm commitment to ensuring our planning system is responsive to our national environmental challenges and that development occurs within environmental limits (NPO Objective 52). Part of this commitment includes sustainable land management and resource efficiency in order to support the transition towards a low carbon society. Government Department Local Government Regional Assembly Project Ireland 2040 NPF/NDP Regional & Spatial Economic Strategy RSES/MASP Other regional plans and programmes i.e. Regional Enterprise Strategies Economic and other government policies e.g. Climate Action Plan Local Economic and Community Plans LAP, UAP or SDZ City & County Development Plans Figure 1.1: Spatial Planning Hierarchy in Ireland (Source: NPF) 9Introduction, Vision and ContextChapter 1

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   1.5.1.2 NPF Development Strategy The NPF is unapologetic in seeking to disrupt trends and sets out how Ireland can move away from the current ‘business as usual’ pattern of development. The NPF explored the ‘do nothing’ scenario which suggested that without a new approach there would likely be continued sprawl, stagnation of inner city and older suburban areas, a degraded environment with loss of habitat due to greenfield development, greater distances between where people live and work, social inequality and disadvantage, and haphazard approaches to planning for infrastructure and climate change. The Eastern and Midland Regional Area (EMRA), where DLR is located, has a target population growth of c. 490,000 – 540,000 additional people up to 2040, with an additional 320,000 people in employment. A key focus for delivering this ‘regional parity’ approach is through strengthening Ireland’s overall urban structure and, in particular, encouraging proportionally higher levels of population growth in Ireland’s five Cities. The NPF recognises that the physical form of urban development in Ireland is one of the greatest national development challenges. The NPF has a very clear focus on achieving what is called brownfield/infill development, which translates into encouraging more people, jobs and activity generally within our existing built up areas. 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 of legacies such as concentrations of disadvantage in certain areas, and linking regeneration and redevelopment initiatives to climate action. To support the delivery of this compact growth agenda the NPF puts in place a target that half of future national population growth will be focused in the existing five Cities and their suburbs (NPO 2a) and furthermore, that at least half of all new homes, that are targeted in the five Cities, will be within their existing built-up footprints (NPO 3b). The CSO boundary utilised by the NPF to define the geographic area of Dublin City and Suburbs is illustrated in Figure 1.3 below. The NPF provides that the targeted pattern of population growth will be addressed by way of a Metropolitan Strategic Area Plan for each City. Outside of the five Cities and suburbs, the NPF targets the delivery of at least 30% of all new homes within the existing built-up footprint in other settlements (NPO 3c). In terms of housing, the long term vision of the NPF is to balance the provision of good quality Outcomes 6. High-Quality8. Carbon and Climate Resilient Society 10. Access to Quality and Health Services 9. Sustainable Management of Water, Waste and other Environmental Resources 5. A Strong Economy supported by and Skills 4. Sustainable Mobility 1. Compact Growth 2. Enhanced Regional Accessibility 3. Strengthened Rural Economies and 7. Enhanced Amenity and Heritage Figure 1.2: National Strategic Outcomes (Source: NPF) 10dlrcoco | County Development Plan 2022-2028

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   housing that meets the needs of a diverse population in a way that makes our cities, towns and villages good places to live now and into the future. 1.5.1.3 Dublin City and Metropolitan Area: Growth Enablers The NPF recognises the strong performance of Dublin in recent years and the importance of its ongoing role as an internationally competitive City. However, it also acknowledges the key challenges facing Dublin including inter alia: housing affordability; transport; and urban amenity/liveability issues. The NPF states that Dublin needs to accommodate a greater proportion of the growth it generates within its metropolitan boundary and offer improved housing choice, transport mobility and quality of life. Dublin also needs to become a greener, more environmentally sustainable City in line with international competitors. The NPF sets out key growth enablers for Dublin, many of which have directly informed and shaped the growth objectives of this County Development Plan. The most pertinent of the NPF ‘growth enablers’, as relevant to DLR, are set out in Table 1.3 below. Table 1.3 Key Growth Enablers for Dublin Key Growth Enablers for Dublin Identifying ambitious largescale regeneration areas for the provision of new housing and employment throughout the City and Metropolitan area and the measures required to facilitate them as integrated, sustainable development projects. Progressing the sustainable development of new greenfield areas for housing, especially those on public transport corridors. Determining a limited number of accessible locations for significant people-intensive employment to complement the City Centre and Docklands. Enabling enhanced opportunities for existing communities as development and diversification occurs, particularly through employment, learning and education support. Relocating less-intensive uses outside the M50 ring, in particular, and from the existing built-up area generally. Delivering the key rail projects set out in the Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area. The development of an improved bus-based system, with better orbital connectivity and integration with other transport networks. Delivery of the metropolitan cycle network set out in the Greater Dublin Area Cycle Network Plan (and any subsequent revisions). Ensuring that water supply and wastewater needs are met by new national projects. Improving sustainability in terms of energy, waste management and resource efficiency and water. Public realm and urban amenity projects focused on streets and public spaces. Measures to enhance and better link the existing network of green spaces. Policy Objective NPF1 – National Planning Framework: It is a Policy Objective of the Council to ensure consistency with and support the achievement of the National Strategic Outcomes and National Policy Objectives of the National Planning Framework. Figure 1.3: Geographic Boundaries - Dublin City and Suburbs (Source: Census 2016) and the Dublin Metropolitan Area (Source: RSES) 11Introduction, Vision and ContextChapter 1

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    1.5.2 Regional Planning Policy Context 1.5.2.1 Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy 2019-2031 The RSES sets out the long-term spatial planning and economic framework for the Eastern and Midland Region, in accordance with the economic policies of the Government, for the proper planning and sustainable development of the Region to 2031 and beyond. The principal statutory purpose of the RSES is to support the implementation of the NPF. In practical terms the RSES takes the high-level framework and principles set out in the NPF and applies a finer level of detail at the regional level. The RSES is underpinned by three cross-cutting principles; healthy placemaking; climate action; and, economic opportunity. Sixteen Regional Strategic Outcomes (RSOs) are set out which are broadly aligned with the National Strategic Outcomes of the NPF, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, EU, and other national policies, see Figure 1.4 below. The RSES also includes Regional Policy Objectives (RPOs). Where policy objectives in this County Development Plan support the achievement of a specific RSO or RPO, the relevant objective is referenced in brackets after the policy objective statement. 1.5.2.2 Asset-Based Approach to Growth In developing a growth strategy for the Region, the RSES promotes what is called an asset/potentialbased criteria approach. The asset-based approach to spatial development is ‘evidence-based’ and identifies and builds on a combination of social, economic and natural assets that are available within a settlement. This growth strategy is then underpinned by a settlement strategy and an integrated land use and transportation strategy. In a similar vein to the NPF, the RSES also identifies key ‘growth enablers’ to support the Region in meeting its potential. The recommended ‘growth enablers’, as relevant to DLR, include the following: M Align Population, Employment and Housing Growth - Promote sustainable growth in the right locations that reduces the distance between the places people live and work. M Compact Sustainable Growth - Promote compact, sequential and sustainable development of urban areas. Promote active land management and better use of underutilised, brownfield and public lands. M Regeneration and Development – Identify significant ready-to-go regeneration projects in existing built-up areas. M Economic Growth - Harness opportunities for economic growth by supporting synergies Healthy Communities Sustainable Settlement Patterns Compact Growth & Urban Regeneration Rural Communities Build Climate Resilience Creative Places Integrated Transport & Land Use Sustainable Management of Water, Waste and other Environmental Resources A Strong Economy supported by Enterprise & Innovation Support the Transition to Low Carbon and Clean Energy Enhanced Green Infrastructure Biodiversity & Natural Heritage Collaboration Platform Improve Education, Skills & Social Inclusion Global City Region Enhance Regional Connectivity E c o n o m i c O p p o r t u n i t y H e althyPl a c e m a k i n g C l i m a t e A c t i o n Figure 1.4: Regional Strategic Outcomes (Source: EMRA RSES) 12dlrcoco | County Development Plan 2022-2028

Source Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council: Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Development Plan 2022–2028 – Written Statement (2022–2028) · Licence the publisher's termsText read from the publisher’s PDF; tables, maps and drawings do not survive as text, and page numbers are the PDF’s (its first page is 1). Check the original before relying on a passage.