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

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   INTRODUCTION, VISION AND STRATEGIC OVERVIEW 21FINGAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 1.9.1 Project Ireland 2040 Project Ireland 2040 comprises the National Planning Framework (NPF) and the National Development Plan (NDP). The NPF is the Government’s high-level strategic vision for shaping future growth and development in the entire country over a 20 year period. The NPF sets out a targeted pattern of growth for the Eastern and Midlands Region and Dublin City and these growth figures inform the delivery of national policy expressed in the NPF and the delivery of the RSES. The NPF comprises 10 no. National Strategic Outcomes (NSOs) and 75 no. National Policy Objectives (NPOs). The NSOs and NPOs guide Ireland’s economic, environmental and social development at national, regional and local level, including the preparation of the policies and objectives of the Plan. The NPF has a very clear focus on achieving compact growth and, more specifically, brownfield infill development which translates into encouraging more people, jobs and activity generally within existing built up areas rather than into new greenfield areas (National Policy Objective (NPO) 3b). This growth strategy will allow better use of underutilised serviced land and buildings, including infill and brownfield land, with more high-quality and high-density mixed-use development accompanied by enhanced amenities, education, health and social services; all supported by sustainable mobility. The NPF acknowledges that rural areas make a major contribution to Ireland’s identity and to overall national development in economic, social, cultural and environmental terms. The NPF places a major focus on rural areas in relation to strengthening Ireland’s rural fabric and supporting existing communities, planning for the future growth and development of rural areas, supporting job creation, addressing connectivity gaps and better co-ordination of existing investment programmes dealing with social inclusion, rural development and town and village renewal. The National Development Plan 2021–2030 provides the accompanying investment strategy which aligns with the strategic objectives of the NPF. The NDP sets out the Government’s over-arching investment strategy and budget for the period 2021–2030 with a record spending of €165 billion. The NDP will continue to work in parallel with the NPF to ensure that the investment strategy supports spatial planning. The stated aims of the NDP are also to ensure a sustainable and regionally balanced post-pandemic recovery recognising the challenges with population growth (approximately 1 million people between 2016 and 2040), Covid-19, Brexit, housing issues, health and the climate emergency. The NDP is underpinned by the updated Public Spending Code which came into effect in January 2020. The NDP now sets out Departmental allocations to 2025 with the subsequent years to be added on a rolling basis. This is a cross-Departmental plan with linkages between sectors to meet National Strategic Outcomes (NSOs). An example of this is a transport-led housing development approach which will allow for the emergence of sustainable and well-connected communities where active travel is feasible. National Planning Framework - First Revision (2025) The National Planning Framework (NPF) – First Revision 2025 updates Ireland’s long-term spatial strategy to reflect significant demographic, environmental, infrastructural and housing changes since 2018.

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   INTRODUCTION, VISION AND STRATEGIC OVERVIEW 22FINGAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 The NPF’s overarching role remains to guide, where and how Ireland should grow spatially, socially, economically and environmentally over the coming decades. Key aims from the original framework carried through to the revision include, balanced regional development, compact growth and sustainable urban development, co-ordinated infrastructure and services, economic development and job growth as well as environmental protection and sustainability. Overall, the NPF serves as a high-level strategic vision document to co-ordinate Ireland’s spatial, economic, social and environmental future with the aim of more balanced, sustainable and inclusive growth. The revision retains the original National Strategic Outcome (NSO’s). In this regard, the National Strategic Outcomes (NSO’s) remain the shared goals for every community across the Country and continue to frame the revised strategy, to ensure continuity of strategic direction. The revision updates and strengthens the original NPF, updating projections and increasing ambition in key areas. Key changes include, updated population and housing projections to plan for approximately 6.1 million population by 2040, ambitious housing delivery target of roughly 50,000 new homes per year, greater emphasis on climate transition, environmental protection and sustainability, new/updated National Policy Objectives (NPO’s), guidance for zoning and land use changes and a stronger link to investment, infrastructure delivery and future-proofing growth a s well as new planning tools for implementation, digitalisation and monitoring. Figure 1.2: National Strategic Outcomes of the NPF 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 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

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   INTRODUCTION, VISION AND STRATEGIC OVERVIEW 23FINGAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 1.9.2 Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy 2019–2031 The Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy (RSES) for the Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly area sets out a strategic plan and investment framework to shape development and manage planning in the Region. The RSES translates the NPF objectives and the growth and settlement strategy at the regional level, ensuing coordination between the NPF and each County Development Plan. The RSES identifies the region’s challenges as the need to sustain economic growth whilst transitioning to a low carbon society and the requirement to align population growth with the location of homes and jobs whilst creating healthy attractive places and an enhanced quality of life. The RSES is underpinned by three cross cutting principles; healthy placemaking, climate action and economic opportunity, which is incorporated into all facets of our new Development Plan. The growth strategy for the Region supports the continued sustainable growth of Dublin and its transition to a low carbon, climate resilient and environmentally sensitive region in accordance with the Metropolitan Area Strategic Plan (MASP), which forms part of the RSES.The MASP directs future growth to identified strategic residential and employment corridors based on their current and future development capacity, their ability to deliver outcomes such as compact development, place making, accessibility to public transport, potential for economic development and a reduced carbon footprint. The RSES recognises the strategic location of Swords, in proximity to Dublin City, Dublin Airport, the national road network and Metrolink and it is specifically identified as one of three ‘Key Towns’ in the MASP area. These Key Metropolitan Towns have the capacity and future potential to accommodate above average growth in the Region with the requisite investment in employment creation, services, amenities and sustainable transport. Specific Regional Policy Objectives (RPO’s) are outlined for Swords. Also relevant to Fingal is the ‘MetroLink – LUAS Corridor’ linking Swords and Dublin Airport to Dublin City and the ‘Dublin – Belfast Economic Corridor’ which is identified as another strategic connection. This corridor is the largest economic agglomeration on the island of Ireland, with the cities and towns along the Dublin – Belfast Corridor home to a population of around 2 million people.

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   INTRODUCTION, VISION AND STRATEGIC OVERVIEW 24FINGAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 Figure 1.3: Regional Strategic Outcomes of the RSES E c o n o m i c O p p o r t u n i t y Heal t h y P l a c e m a k i n g C l i m a t e A c t i o n Sustainable Settlemnet Patterns Compact Growth & Urban Regeneration Rural Communities Healthy Communities Creative Places Integrated Transport & Land Use Build Climate Resilience Healthy Placemaking To promote people’s quality of life through the creation of healthy and attractive places to live, work, visit and study in. KEY PRINCIPLES Climate Action The neeed to enhance cliamte resilience and to accelerate a transition to a low carbon economy recognising the role of natural capital and ecosytem services in achieveing this. Economic Opportunity To create the right conditions and opportunities for the region to realise sustained economic growth and emplyoment that ensure good living standards for all. Collaboration Platform Sustainable Management of Water, Waste and other Environmental Resources Support the Transition to Low Carbon and Clean Energy Enhanced Green Infrastructure Biodiversity & Natural Heritage A Strong Economy supported by Enterprise & Innovation Improved Education, Skills & Social Inclusion Global City Region Enhance Regional Connectivity

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   INTRODUCTION, VISION AND STRATEGIC OVERVIEW 25FINGAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 1.9.3 Climate Action Plan 2023 The Climate Action Plan 2023 (CAP23) acknowledges the key role that land use and spatial planning can play in ensuring that population growth is managed in a sustainable way, thus reducing our carbon footprint and all aspects of Government policy are underpinned by a commitment to climate action. The CAP identifies a set of actions to address the impacts of climate change on Ireland’s environment, society, economic and natural resources. Both the NPF and the RSES establish the importance of addressing climate action and the need to promote sustainable and compact growth and to progress climate change mitigation and adaptation through land use planning. The NPF includes National Strategic Outcome No. 8 to “Transition to a Low Carbon and Climate Resilient Society” and at a regional level, the RSES outlines climate action as one of the three key principles underpinning the Strategy in line with national policy. Good planning policies, which promote a compact urban form, linking of transportation and land use planning, and the protection and enhancement of biodiversity create climate resilient communities and neighbourhoods. The policies and objectives that result in proper planning and sustainable development are consistent with those that result in a climate resilient society and this is recognised and supported in Fingal’s Climate Change Action Plan 2019–2024. Figure 1.4 and 1.5: Source: Fingal County Council Climate Change Action Plan 2019–2024 33% improvement in the Council’s energy efficiency by 2020 Make Dublin a climateresilient region by reducing the impacts of future climate change-related events Actively engage and inform our citizens on climate change 40% reduction in the Council’s greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 KEY TARGETS

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   INTRODUCTION, VISION AND STRATEGIC OVERVIEW 26FINGAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 ACTION AREAS TRANSPORT FLOOD RESILIENCE NATURE-BASED SOLUTIONS RESOURCE MANAGEMENT ENERGY & BUILDINGS C L I M A T E C H A N G E A C TIO N P L A N The actions in this plan have been organised under the action areas shown below, reflecting Fingal County Council’s range of services. 1.9.4 Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area 2022–2042 The National Transport Authority’s (NTA) Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area 2022-2042 sets out various proposals for future transport investment for the next 20 years. The new strategy commits fully to the existing transformative public transport projects including BusConnects, DART+ and MetroLink as well as LUAS Finglas, LUAS Lucan, LUAS Poolbeg and LUAS Bray. The strategy proposes further extensions to the DART network to extend DART services to Kilcock, Sallins and Wicklow, an extension of the M3 Parkway line to Navan and a range of new stations along the network. The strategy also proposes a range of investments across active travel, bus and demand/traffic management measures. Implementation of the full measures set out in the strategy aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the GDA to a reduction of around 70%. Within the strategy, significant investment is planned for Fingal and particularly as it relates to the corridor connecting Fingal and Dublin City Centre which includes: ¨ Delivery of MetroLink to Swords and serving Dublin Airport; ¨ Implementation of the DART Expansion Programme which proposes the provision of high frequency DART services including the electrification of the existing Maynooth and M3 Parkway rail lines and the northern rail line to Drogheda; ¨ LUAS Greenline Capacity Enhancement including an extension of LUAS to Finglas; ¨ Implementation of a Core Bus Network under BusConnects for the Dublin Metropolitan area and throughout the GDA based on bus radial, orbital and regional routes in the GDA; ¨ Delivery of the metropolitan cycle network set out in the Greater Dublin Area Cycle Network Plan inclusive of key commuter routes and urban greenways on canal, river and coastal corridors.

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   INTRODUCTION, VISION AND STRATEGIC OVERVIEW 27FINGAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 ¨ Develop a strategic network of regional level bus and rail-based Park and Ride facilities in the GDA at appropriate locations where the national road network meets, or is in close proximity to, high-capacity bus and rail services. ¨ Implementation of demand management measures on the M50 motorway to ensure that it retains sufficient capacity to fulfil its strategic functions, including freight movement. 1.9.5 National Marine Planning Framework In accordance with EU Directive 2014/89/EU, the National Marine Planning Framework was published in May 2021. Marine planning will contribute to the effective management of marine activities and more sustainable use of our marine resources, and it will enable the Government to set a clear direction for managing our seas, to clarify objectives and priorities, and to direct decision makers, users and stakeholders towards more strategic and efficient use of marine resources. As Fingal is a coastal county the final plan / framework will be of great importance to Fingal. The Maritime Area Planning Act 2021 (MAP Act) was signed into law in December 2021 and this legislation represents the biggest reform of marine governance since the formation of the State. The Act established a comprehensive and coherent marine planning system. One of the main features of the MAP Act 2021 is the creation of a new State consent, the Maritime Area Consent (MAC), as a first step in the new planning process. 1.9.6 Statutory Planning Guidelines (Section 28) The Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage can issue Guidelines (under Section 28 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended), which Planning Authorities are required to have regard to in carrying out their functions, including in the preparation of their Development Plans. There are several guidelines which have been issued in accordance with Section 28 and these cover a wide range of issues including building height, residential density and design, development management, childcare facilities and environmental assessment and will have implications for specific policies in the Plan. Some of the most recently published Section 28 Guidelines include the Development Plan Guidelines for Planning Authorities 2022 and Housing Supply Target Methodology for Development Planning. 1.10 Environmental Requirements In accordance with European and National legislation, Fingal County Council has carried out a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA), an Appropriate Assessment (AA) and Strategic Flood Risk Assessment (SFRA), which have informed the preparation of this Plan. 1.10.1 Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) The preparation of the Fingal Development Plan 2023–2029 is required to undergo Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) in accordance with Directive 2001/42/EC and associated implementing national legislation on the Assessment of the Effects of Certain Plans and Programmes on the Environment. SEA is a process

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   INTRODUCTION, VISION AND STRATEGIC OVERVIEW 28FINGAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 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 was integrated into the preparation of this 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 Plan and the associated SEA. Submissions provided by the environmental authorities have influenced the making of the Plan and have been incorporated into the Environmental Report, which accompanies this 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. 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 Plan. 1.10.2 Appropriate Assessment (AA) In accordance with the requirements under the EU Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC), the EU Birds Directive (79/409/EEC) and Section 177 of the Planning and Development (Amendment) Act 2010, an Appropriate Assessment of the Fingal Development Plan 2023-2029 was 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 assessed 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 was given to any mitigation measures necessary to avoid or reduce any potential negative impacts. 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 were informed by a Natura Impact Report (NIR) that accompanies this 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 Draft Plan and its accompanying environmental reports, amendments or material changes that arose from that process were subject to Appropriate Assessment and incorporated into the Plan before the assessment concluded (through the formal determination of the Competent Authority e.g. the Elected Members and its statutory adoption thereafter of the Fingal Development Plan 2023–2029.

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   INTRODUCTION, VISION AND STRATEGIC OVERVIEW 29FINGAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 The following will apply to all Plans 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 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. 1.11 Fingal County – Socio-Economic Profile 1.11.1 Introduction Fingal County is 465 sq. m. in area, hosts a variety of landscapes, enjoys significant economic advantages and is the fastest growing county in Ireland. Fingal is well served by air, sea and national roads and the county has

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    INTRODUCTION, VISION AND STRATEGIC OVERVIEW 30FINGAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 one of the youngest and most diverse populations in the State. Employment in the county increased by 15% between 2011 and 2016. Key economic sectors in the county include tourism, retail & hospitality, information technology & communications, agriculture, public administration and commerce & trade. 1.11.2 Population Increase and Distribution Fingal was the third most populous local authority in Ireland (after Dublin City and Cork County) with a total of 296,020 people in 2016. Between 2006 and 2016 the population in Fingal increased by 23.3% or by just over 56,000 people. There was an increase of 7.4% (22,029 persons) between 2011 and 2016. This was considerably higher than the national average growth rate of 3.8% for the same period. The population of Fingal is projected to increase to between 327,000 and 333,000 up to 2026. The distribution of population varied across Fingal with the highest population per Electoral Division concentrated along the outskirts of Dublin City (particularly in the western areas of Blanchardstown and Castleknock) and along the eastern coast (population is relatively evenly distributed from Howth up to Balbriggan). Naturally there were urban clusters of higher population such as Blanchardstown, Balbriggan and Swords whilst the north-west of Fingal was the least populated area and indicative of the rural transition from north county Dublin towards Louth and Meath. Within Fingal, 92.7% of the population lives within the Aggregate Town Area (ATA) as defined by CSO whilst 7.3% reside in the Aggregate Rural Area (ARA). 1.11.3 Housing programme Fingal County Council continues to deliver social housing units and continues to provide housing solutions in accordance with the Rebuilding Ireland Action Plan through a range of delivery mechanisms including construction, Part V, acquisitions, leasing and Housing Assistance Payment Scheme (HAP). The Council has an ambitious construction programme underway with 1,191 homes delivered in 2022, a further 308 on site, 300 at tendering stage and 1,048 at planning stage. The Council continued to advance a number of mixed tenure schemes across the county in 2022. The proposed mixed tenure development at Church Fields, Mulhuddart comprises 1,000 social and affordable housing units. The Part 8 planning for the first phase of 300 dwellings and the Eastern Linear Park was approved in 2022. Works progressed on the Dun Emer development in Lusk where the Council are constructing 39 affordable and 12 social homes, which is one of the first social and affordable housing schemes developed under the Government’s Housing for All policy. In 2022, the tender process was advanced for a mixed tenure scheme at Hayestown, Rush to build 52 affordable and 10 social homes. 1.11.4 Socio Economic Trends Population structure and Age profiles Fingal County Council is the youngest local authority in the State (at 33.8 years) which is 3.7 years lower than the State, 2.2 years lower than the region and 2.5 years lower than Dublin average. Across Fingal, the average male is 33.1 years old, which was slightly younger than the average female at 34.4 years. There were 87,140 persons under 19 years of age with 24,899 children of pre-school age (0–4 years old). A further 39,349 children (13.3% of the population), were of primary school age (5–12 years old) and a further 22,892 (7.7% of

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