Fingal Development Plan 2023–2029 – Written Statement (Consolidated)

1. Page 101

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   PlANNING FOR GROWTh CORE STRATEGy SETTlEMENT STRATEGy 101FINGAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 31. Objective GI 30 Maximise the potential views of the surrounding area from the development lands. In particular, the views of Ireland’s Eye, the coast and the higher parklands, to the north, at Portmarnock shall be protected. Stapolin Square 32. Objective GI 31 Manage the open space at Racecourse Park and any associated lands in accordance with a Landscape Masterplan and mitigation measures and polices. 33. Objective GI 32 Promote sustainable recreation within the lands that will allow inclusive use of the open space without causing adverse effects on the physical and biological functions of the green infrastructure and/or qualifying interest species and habitats of Designated Sites. 34. Objective GI 33 Require Appropriate Assessment (AA) Screening for any development, including changes to the landscape, within Racecourse Park. This will include any changes to existing or future layout, materials or surfaces of pitches. 35. Objective GI 34 Ensure the provision of adequate areas of high quality, safe and overlooked open space within residential developments, which meet the required standards for distance from homes. 36. Objective GI 35 Facilitate the development of open spaces and civic spaces at suitable locations within the area and protect existing open spaces from inappropriate development, so as to maintain their attractiveness and role in enhancing the residential and ecological amenities of the area. 37. Objective GI 36 Require the provision of playing pitches in the northwestern corner of the Racecourse Park, south of Mayne Road, or alternative agreed location. Any alternative location may be subject to Appropriate Assessment. 38. Objective GI 37 Ensure that Stapolin Square incorporates a green core which allows for the visual and physical extension of Ireland’s Eye Avenue to and from the train station. 39. Objective GI 38 Facilitate the potential for public activities and events in Stapolin Square through the incorporation of design elements which allow for such. 40. Objective GI 39 Facilitate the provision of an all-weather pitch as part of the proposed pitches and active recreational hub to the northwest of the lands, south of Moyne Road, subject to screening for appropriate assessment. 41. Objective GI 40 Ensure the timely delivery of open space having regard to the open space hierarchy, the preferred masterplan layout and the phasing requirements.

2. Page 102

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   PlANNING FOR GROWTh CORE STRATEGy SETTlEMENT STRATEGy 102FINGAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 Surface Water Management 42. Objective SW 2 Require all planning applications to submit details of compliance with the SuDS Strategy which include proposals for the management of surface water within sites, and runoff rates from sites, protecting the water quality and flow regime of the River Mayne and retrofitting best practice SuDS techniques on existing sites where possible. 43. Objective SW 3 Require local/site specific SuDS measures in tandem with development. 44. Objective SW 4 Require green roofs for commercial development within the area unless otherwise agreed. Water Quality 45. Objective WQ 2 Seek the rehabilitation of the Mayne River to good water status, its restoration as a natural amenity and protection of the riparian corridor through the area. Interim Measures 46. Objective SP 2 Ensure that construction takes place in a sequential manner in order to avoid areas of new development leap-frogging unfinished phases of development. Internal phasing arrangements will be required and conditioned as part of planning applications. 47. Objective SP 3 Require all planning applications within the lands to include clear measures for the treatment of interim sites on lands within the ownership of the applicant/developer. 48. Objective SP 4 Ensure that the delivery of measures to deal with undeveloped or interim lands are included by way of condition in any grant of planning permission. Towns and Villages Fingal contains a significant number of towns and villages within the Metropolitan and Core areas of the County. These include Portrane, Coolquay, Kinsealy, Rivermeade, Rowlestown, Balrothery, Loughshinny, Ballyboghil, Naul, Balscadden, Oldtown, Garristown and Ballymadun. There is considerable variation across the settlements in this level of the Hierarchy, ranging from small towns and larger rural villages, in terms of scale, character, context and infrastructure. However, all have potential for appropriate levels of growth and consolidation. In order to realise consolidation within these towns and villages, development will be encouraged to be delivered in a sustainable, sequential manner, with the focus on consolidated growth of the centres, the identification of sites appropriate for renewal and a focus on enhancement of town centre public realms.

3. Page 103

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   PlANNING FOR GROWTh CORE STRATEGy SETTlEMENT STRATEGy 103FINGAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 Many act as important local drivers, providing a range of functions for their resident population and their surrounding catchments including housing, employment, services and retail and leisure opportunities. Town Centre First: A Policy Approach for Irish Towns has been adopted in the Plan and aims to increase levels of economic activity and overall vibrancy levels. A number of these settlements have experienced varying levels of commuter focused residential expansion and require consolidation and targeted ‘catch up’ investment in services, infrastructure, suitable transport options, amenities and local employment, whilst balancing housing delivery and focusing on consolidation to become more sustaining. Development in these centres is to be managed in line with the ability of local services and infrastructure to accommodate expansion, having regard to the recommendations for small towns included in the Ministerial Guidelines on Sustainable Residential Development in Urban Areas and RSES. Residentially zoned lands at Baskin, west of Kinsaley village and south of Abbeville ACA comprise single residential units accessed off Baskin Lane and consolidated residential development clustered around the original Baskin cottages settlement which has grown organically over the years with development fronting onto Baskin Lane and on lands to the rear of the existing cottages. Towns and Villages Policies Policy CSP40 – Sustainable Expansion and Development Promote sustainable expansion and development at a level appropriate to and integrated with the existing town or village, meeting the socio-economic and civic aspirations of the community, whilst preserving the settlements distinctive character, heritage, amenity and local identity. Towns and Villages Objectives Objective CSO67 – LAPs, Masterplans and Framework Plans for Towns and Villages As set out in Tables 2.15, 2.16, 2.17, 2.18 and 2.19: ƿ Implement existing Local Area Plans and Masterplans within the Towns and Villages. ƿ Prepare and implement Local Area Plans for identified areas. ƿ Prepare and implement Masterplans for identified areas. ƿ Prepare and implement Frameworks for identified areas. Objective CSO68 – Rural Villages Manage the development of Rural Villages within the RV boundaries and strengthen and consolidate their built form providing a suitable range of housing as an alternative to housing in the open countryside. Objective CSO69 – Scale of New Housing Developments in Towns and Villages Ensure that the scale of new housing developments within Towns and Villages both individually and cumulatively, shall generally be in proportion to the pattern and grain of existing development.

4. Page 104

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   PlANNING FOR GROWTh CORE STRATEGy SETTlEMENT STRATEGy 104FINGAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 Objective CSO70 – Historic Towns and Village Centres Protect and enhance the unique physical character of historic town and village centres. Objective CSO71 – Commercial and Community Facilities Facilitate and encourage improved town and village facilities both commercial and community to meet the needs of expanding towns and villages. Objective CSO72 – Compact, Organic and Sequential Development of Towns and Villages The scale of new residential schemes within Towns and Villages shall be in proportion to the pattern and grain of existing development with a focus on delivering compact growth and providing for the organic and sequential development of the settlement. Infill and brownfield development shall have regard to the existing town or village character and create or strengthen a sense of identity and distinctiveness for the settlement. Objective CSO73 – Commercial Development in Towns and Villages New commercial development in Towns and Villages shall generally only be located within the core area and shall contribute positively to character of the settlement. St. Ita’s The existing institutional complex accommodates a large number of protected structures and attractive buildings in an extensive demesne type landscape. Building elements within the complex are landmark structures, which are visible over long distances from the coastline particularly to the south. There are exceptional coastal views from this slightly elevated site. The need to examine options regarding the optimal re-use and refurbishment of the complex of Protected Structures within the demesne setting was identified by the Council, to ensure the future sustainable use of this important and unique resource. A feasibility study of St Ita’s, was completed in November 2013 jointly by Fingal County Council and the Health Service Executive (HSE) to determine the optimal future sustainable use of this complex and to consider the development of new modern psychiatric health care and ancillary facilities having regard to the cultural, visual and ecological sensitivities of the site. The Feasibility Study identified the St Ita’s Hospital complex and demesne as a suitable location for the development of new modern psychiatric health care and ancillary facilities, which includes the provision of a National Forensic Mental Health Service Hospital. It also prioritizes the re-use of the existing hospital buildings (many of which are Protected Structures) together with their maintenance and management into the future; the ongoing maintenance and management of existing trees and woodland and the maintenance and provision for an appropriate level of public accessibility through the site. While several objectives of this study have been realised (including site identification, and now the construction of the new National Forensic Mental Health Service Facility), there are a number of objectives that are outstanding and remain to be achieved. It is the objective of Fingal County Council to actively support the implementation of the objectives laid down in this feasibility study, or any update or revised version thereof, including specifically those relating to: ¨ The ongoing development of modern psychiatric health care and ancillary facilities within St. Ita’s, including the completed National Forensic Mental Health Service Hospital.

5. Page 105

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   PlANNING FOR GROWTh CORE STRATEGy SETTlEMENT STRATEGy 105FINGAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 ¨ The reuse of the Protected Structures for appropriate uses together with the on-going future maintenance and management of these structures. ¨ The on-going maintenance and management of the demesne landscape including the trees and woodland which are an intrinsic part of this unique landscape. ¨ The maintenance and provision for an appropriate level of public accessibility through the site. Objective CSO74 – Feasibility Study for St. Ita’s Hospital Lands Actively support the implementation of the objectives laid down in the Feasibility Study for St. Ita’s Hospital Lands completed in November 2013, or any update or revised version thereof including specifically those relating to: ¨ The ongoing development of modern psychiatric health care and ancillary facilities (including the National Forensic Mental Health Service Hospital) within St. Ita’s, ¨ The reuse of the Protected Structures for appropriate uses together with the ongoing future maintenance and management of these structures, ¨ The ongoing maintenance and management of the Demesne landscape including the trees and woodland which are an intrinsic part of this unique landscape, and ¨ The maintenance and provision for an appropriate level of public accessibility through the site. Objective CSO75 – Protected Structures at St. Ita’s Hospital Complex and Demesne Promote the use or reuse of all the Protected Structures at St. Ita’s Hospital complex and demesne in Portrane as a priority for Fingal County Council. Notwithstanding the use class ‘HA’ Zoning matrix, appropriate uses within the Protected Structures and within the ancillary land areas within the complex including uses which also relate to and are consistent with the historic use of the overall historic complex will be actively promoted and allowed to proceed subject to appropriate consent where such activities will secure viable sustainable re use of the complex into the future and which will provide for the proper conservation and sustainable development of St. Ita’s. Objective CS076 – St. Ita’s Forum of Engagement Establish a long term Forum of Engagement, the primary objective of which would be to facilitate the active and progressive bringing back into public and other usages of the Victorian Hospital Buildings, at St. Ita’s Hospital at Portrane. Rural Towns and Villages Fingal benefits from a rich agricultural hinterland interspersed with distinctive towns and villages. These settlements have unique characteristics many historic qualities underpinned by a keen sense of place and benefitting from active communities. The NPF identifies the need to strengthen and diversify rural towns to become a focus for local housing and employment growth, recognising their important role in providing social and economic functions. Whilst acknowledging population growth within Fingal’s Rural Towns and Villages in line with regional planning policy (Metropolitan and Core areas) it will be important to ensure the scale of such growth is commensurate with the scale of the settlement a holistic approach is taken in pursuing consolidation, enhanced sustainability, inclusivity and resilience.

6. Page 106

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   PlANNING FOR GROWTh CORE STRATEGy SETTlEMENT STRATEGy 106FINGAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 The Plan is committed to ensuring Fingal’s rural towns and villages develop in a sustainable way. This will primarily be achieved through the orderly development of identified rural villages and clusters, recognising the distinction between villages in the Metropolitan Area and those in the rural Core Area. Rural Towns and Villages Policies Policy CSP41 – Sustainable Rural Development Support sustainable rural development and strengthen rural networks, economies and communities while managing urban generated growth. Policy CSP42 – Review of Rural Housing Policy Commence a review of the Rural Housing Policy and Local Need Criteria on the publication by Government of updated Guidelines for Planning Authorities on Sustainable Rural Housing. Policy CSP43 – Viable Options for the Rural Community Provide viable options for the rural community through the promotion of appropriate sustainable growth of Fingal’s rural villages and towns. Policy CSP44 – Greenbelts Strengthen greenbelt lands by identifying opportunities for infill development and consolidation of existing towns and villages to reduce the need to zone additional greenfield lands and ensure the preservation of strategic greenbelts to avoid coalescence of settlements. Support development within the Greenbelts which has a demonstrated need for such a location, and which protects and promotes its permanency. Rural Towns and Villages Objectives: Objective CSO77 – Rural Generated Housing Direct rural generated housing demand to Villages and Rural Clusters in the first instance and to ensure that individual houses in the open countryside are only permitted where the applicant can demonstrate compliance with the criteria for rural housing set down in Chapter 3 Sustainable Placemaking and Quality Homes and in Chapter 14 Development Management Standards. Objective CSO78 – Re-Use and Rehabilitation of Existing Housing Stock Encourage re-use and rehabilitation of existing housing stock in rural areas in preference to newbuild and actively promote the protection of traditional rural buildings. Objective CSO79 – Promotion of Attractive and Vibrant Villages Promote attractive and vibrant villages ensuring their sustainable expansion and development at a level appropriate to and integrated with the existing village while meeting the socio-economic and civic aspirations of the community and affording maximum environmental protection. Objective CSO80 – LAPs and Masterplans for Rural Towns and Villages As set out in Tables 2.15, 2.16, 2.17 and 2.18: ƿ Implement existing Local Area Plans within Fingal’s Rural Towns and Villages. ƿ Prepare and implement Masterplans Plans for identified areas.

7. Page 107

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   PlANNING FOR GROWTh CORE STRATEGy SETTlEMENT STRATEGy 107FINGAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 Rural Clusters and Rural Area Noting that rural areas within Fingal are categorised as being under strong urban influence, a key challenge is to ensure a balance between facilitating those with a genuine need to reside in rural Fingal while managing urban generated demand. Fingal’s Rural Housing Policy is based on requirements for a demonstrable economic or social need to live in a rural area and ensure that siting and design adhere to statutory guidelines and design criteria. This approach follows on from the Rural Housing Guidelines 2005. Rural Clusters and Rural Area Policies Policy CSP45 – Rural Housing In line with RPO 4.80, manage urban generated growth in Rural Areas Under Strong Urban Influence by ensuring that in these areas the provision of single houses in the open countryside is based on the core consideration of demonstrable economic or social need to live in a rural area, and compliance with statutory Guidelines and plans, having regard to the viability of smaller towns and rural settlements. Policy CSP46 – Rural Settlement Strategy Respond to rural-generated housing need by means of a rural settlement strategy which directs the demand where possible to Rural Villages and Rural Clusters and permit housing development in the countryside only for those people who have a genuine housing need in accordance with the Council’s Rural Housing Policy and where sustainable drainage solutions are feasible. Policy CSP47 – Rural Clusters Promote appropriate sustainable growth of the Rural Clusters balanced with carefully controlled residential development in the countryside. Rural Clusters and Rural Area Objectives Objective CSO81 – Rural Settlement Strategy Implement the Rural Settlement Strategy contained in Chapter 3 Sustainable Placemaking and Quality Homes and associated Development Management Standards set out in Chapter 14.

8. Page 108

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   PlANNING FOR GROWTh CORE STRATEGy SETTlEMENT STRATEGy 108FINGAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 3. SUSTAINABLE PLACEMAKING AND QUALITY HOMES FINGAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023–2029

9. Page 109

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   SUSTAINABLE PLACEMAKING AND QUALITY HOMES109FINGAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 3.1 Introduction This chapter sets out the strategy to guide successful placemaking and ensure quality housing within Fingal over the lifetime of this Plan and into the future. The concept of placemaking and the provision of quality homes are not mutually exclusive and the success of both in providing for sustainable, resilient communities is very much interdependent. One cannot be successful without the other. Global events have given us insights into the strengths and weaknesses of our public realms and spaces and this Plan is committed to providing the framework for enhanced placemaking recovery which responds not only to the lessons learned, but the principles we need to adopt going forward, in building quality housing and successful public spaces. The importance of high-quality public realms, encompassing many forms from large civic squares and pedestrianised streets to pocket parks for recreation, interaction, and physical activity is well known, as are the benefits for physical and mental health. Having access to public spaces is vital but so too is its design, form, function, and management. While the merits of pursuing land-use patterns focused on compact, consolidated growth are widely evident and result in more sustainable travel patterns and use of active transport modes, proximity to services and enhanced town centre vibrancy, it is important that such consolidation is underpinned by sound placemaking principles ensuring that new and expanding communities have access to public spaces, high quality public realms, recreational facilities, and places to interact. These key principles need to be incorporated at an early stage of the design process to ensure overall success and satisfactory integration. While successful and inclusive settlements, based on the principles of healthy placemaking provide the context for how we live, work, and socialise, it is individual housing units which make up our communities and upon which our sense of identity and ultimately success are dependent. Much like the population it serves, the housing market is not a homogenous entity and will need to evolve to meet changing needs as people’s work, family and recreational needs become more complex. It must be flexible, capable of adaptation and fit for purpose. Increasingly, it must also provide for a broad range of typologies and tenure options as the population of our County diversifies and expands, grows older and is occupied by smaller households. The specialised needs of our community must also be addressed, including housing options catering for older members of society, members of the Traveller community, and those with disabilities. It is vital that Fingal has a range of housing options which are affordable and attractive for all who wish to live in the County and that the future needs of communities are identified, ensuring sufficiency of supply, a range of housing types and tenures, flexibility of design and universal access for all. This Plan puts in place policies and objectives to ensure that housing, in conjunction with high quality placemaking, is delivered in parallel and in the right locations ensuring that Fingal is home to sustainable, resilient communities.

10. Page 110

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    SUSTAINABlE PlACEMAkING AND QUAlITy hOMES 110FINGAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 3.2 Context Fingal continues to experience significant population growth including inward migration, a trend which has been observed over the last three decades. The population of the County at the time of the 2016 Census was 296,020, a growth of 8% since the preceding Census in 2011. This accounts for 22% of Dublin’s overall population. This ensures the County is the second most populous local authority in the State. Fingal is also the youngest local authority at 33.8 years (3.7 years lower than the State). The NPF estimates that the population of the region will grow by 490,000–540,000 by the year 2040. In line with this, the EMRA RSES has a projected target growth for Fingal of between 340,000–349,000. Since the publication of the RSES, EMRA has allocated Fingal a population (high) of 369,000 for 2031 as per the MASP transitional population document. This includes the MASP allocation of an additional 20,000 for Swords. This will see Fingal’s population increase to 369,000 by 2031. Anticipated future housing demand within Fingal and detailed analysis of the type and form of housing required have been undertaken in support of the Plan. The Housing Strategy and Housing Need and Demand Assessment provide greater clarity in relation to the changing demographic factors which will impact the nature of housing demand going forward. This includes continuing high rates of household formation, but also the anticipated decrease in household sizes following the national pattern of decline. While the percentage of the population under 18 years of age continues to grow at pace, there is a growing awareness of the significance posed by growth in older population cohorts, with the 65 years+ category increasing by 36.1% between 2011 and 2016, the highest recorded increase of this cohort within the State and consideration should be given for the need for increased options for members of this cohort looking to downsize. Table 3.1: Population Year Fingal’s Population Increase (%) 2006 239,992 2011 273,991 14% 2016 296,020 8% 2022 (Preliminary Results) 329,218 11% As examined in the Core Strategy in Chapter 2 Planning for Growth, the anticipated expansion of the population results in a requirement for approximately 16,245 new homes over the lifetime of the Plan to 2029, translating into an annual average provision of approximately 2,700 homes per annum, while protecting the environment. The Council will ensure through setting appropriate policies and objectives, that future population growth and housing demand is managed by a plan-led approach, facilitating future housing, community infrastructure, transport and other key services, to cater not only for new residents, but also, the needs of established communities. At the core of the Development Plan is the Fingal Settlement Hierarchy which sets out the key locations for population and employment growth and provides direction for the optimisation of investment in infrastructure and services. Proactive land management policies and planning frameworks ranging from Strategic Development Zones, Local Area Plans, Masterplans and Framework Plans have ensured that Fingal has been extremely successful

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