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

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   INTRODUCTION, VISION AND STRATEGIC OVERVIEW 31FINGAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 the population) were of secondary school age (13–18 years old). 63,488 (21.45%) persons are aged between 45–64 years of age. Age Dependency Ratio The age dependency ratio is the proportion of population in the young (0–14 years) and old (65 years and above) cohorts to the working population cohort (15–64 years). In the case of Fingal, the working cohort of Fingal equates to 66.3% of the population. Within Fingal, approximately 196,372 people are regarded as being of working age, of which this 162,865 (or 55.0% of the total population) are within the prime working age cohorts (25–64 years of age). In contrast, 33.7% of its population is dependent. This comprises 72,613 young persons (i.e. aged 0–14 years) and 27,035 older persons (i.e. aged 65 years and above). Dependency ratios are used to indicate the balance between the working population and those that are dependent on them. Fingal’s dependency (33.7%) is lower than the national average (34.5%) and comparable to the region (33.2%). 31.5% of the population across Dublin was dependent, however the latter was influenced by Dublin City which had a relatively low dependency rate of 28.1%. Fingal demonstrated the second lowest dependency rate of the four local authorities within Dublin. Fingal has an average density of 646 persons per sq.km. Within Fingal, Blanchardstown and Swords have the highest density levels. Blanchardstown also has one of the highest density levels within EMRA at 4,826 persons per sq.km. Labour Force The highest labour force participation rate in the EMRA is in Fingal. The total labour force in Fingal in 2016 was 149,386 or 66.9%. Fingal has an employment rate of almost 90% of the labour force compared to 87% nationally. According to Census 2016, the total Labour Force at Work in Fingal was 133,971 and this accounts for 89.7% of the total labour force in the Dublin SPA. This increased by 14,695 or 11% over the period from 2011–2016. According to POWSCAR 2016 there was a total of 94,751 jobs with destinations recorded as being within the county. Commuting The 2016 Census found that 47,707 (36.1%) of Fingal residents worked within Fingal. This increased by circa 4,000 since 2011. In 2016 in Fingal 34% (45,179) of the working population commuted to Dublin City for work. This results in a large proportion of the population commuting to work outside of the county. The number leaving the county to work elsewhere (mainly Dublin City) had increased by circa 2,300 since 2011. While the numbers living and working in the county increased over the census periods, those commuting elsewhere to work also increased. There remains a large dependence on the car as a means of getting to work, school or college within the county. 76,249 persons were recoded as using the car to travel to the above locations. This includes 73,929 using the car to get to their place of work. Bus/minibus/coach was the second most used mode of transport for getting to work. While those walking to work in Fingal amounted to 7,087 persons, 23,536 people walked to school or college in the area.

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   INTRODUCTION, VISION AND STRATEGIC OVERVIEW 32FINGAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 Unemployment The labour force unemployment rate in Fingal in 2016 was 6.9% compared to the national rate of 8.4%. Following an increase in unemployment during the Covid pandemic, the national unemployment rate has reduced to 4.3% (as of February 2023), with Fingal likely to have mirrored this trend. All of the above has been considered in the preparation of this Plan. 11,419 - Polish 5,521 - Romanian 4,449 - UK Facts about Fingal The county is characterised by a very young population. There are 87,140 persons under 19 years of age 6,515 Sales & retail assistants 4,696 Other administrative occupations 3,792 Nurses & midwives The average household size in Fingal County Council is 3.03 persons per household which is the highest of the local authorities in Dublin. 2016 - Top 3 occupational groups: 13% - Bus, Coach or Mini bus 15% - On foot 52% - Motor car 55,347 - Owner occupied 27,016 - Rented 4,244 - Other 54% - Single 39% - Married 3% - Widowed 2019 - Top 3 non-Irish nationalities: 2019 - Top 3 martial status: Home ownership 2019 - Top 3 types of commuting:

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   INTRODUCTION, VISION AND STRATEGIC OVERVIEW 33FINGAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029

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   INTRODUCTION, VISION AND STRATEGIC OVERVIEW 34FINGAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 2. PLANNING FOR GROWTH CORE STRATEGY SETTLEMENT STRATEGY FINGAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023–2029

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   PlANNING FOR GROWTh CORE STRATEGy SETTlEMENT STRATEGy 35FINGAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 2.1 Introduction This chapter sets out the overarching framework which will set in place a strategy to guide the future and sustainable development of Fingal over the life of this Plan and beyond. The first element of this framework is the Core Strategy. In line with anticipated population growth in Fingal during the plan period, it is vital that future growth within Fingal is directed to appropriate locations ensuring a balance between social, economic and environmental factors. In addressing the manner in which the County will grow, we must be ever cognisant of climate change impacts and ensure that Fingal’s growth strategy is underpinned by sustainable land management practices which result in the compact and consolidated development of existing urban and rural settlements. Adhering to a clearly focused settlement hierarchy which is in line with a wider regional strategy will ensure we can achieve balanced growth within Fingal and provide for a network of settlements which are resilient, people focused and sustainable into the future. In tandem with this approach, the Plan must also set in place key placemaking principles to be enshrined in all new developments, creating healthy, attractive places to live, work and recreate. Careful planning and adherence to inter-related national and regional planning policies of consolidation and compact growth will ensure that Fingal’s settlements, and in turn its communities, benefit from enhanced climate resilience as well as increased levels of sustainability and cohesion. In taking this approach, it is vital therefore that the unique characteristics, historic qualities and sense of place associated with Fingal’s towns and villages are safeguarded and protected and a balance must be struck between expansion and the need to ensure that such growth is accommodated in a holistic manner with enhancement rather than loss of character to existing settlements. 2.2 Core Strategy The purpose of this Core Strategy is to guide the spatial direction of future development and regeneration in the County in line with the principles of compact growth. It accords with the Development Plan vision as set out in Chapter 1. The Core Strategy is depicted diagrammatically in Figure 2.1. The key objective of the Core Strategy is to ensure that the quantum and location of development is consistent with National and Regional policy. The Core Strategy has been updated in accordance with the National Planning Framework - First Revision 2025 which sets national targets for population and housing growth and the relevant implementation guidelines issued under Section 28 relating to housing growth requirements. This ensures the strategy remains aligned with current government policy while responding to local growth requirements 2.2.1 Legislative Basis The requirement for a Core Strategy as part of the Development Plan is described in Section 10 (2A) of the Planning and Development Acts (PDA) 2000 (as amended). The role of the Core Strategy is to ensure that there is sufficient zoned and serviced land to cater for future housing demand over the plan period. The Core Strategy sets out a spatial settlement strategy for the County which is consistent with the Housing Strategy, the National Planning Framework (NPF), the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy (RSES), Specific Planning Policy Requirements (SPPRs) required under Section 28 Guidelines and takes account of policies of the Minister in relation to national and regional population targets. PlANNING FOR GROWTh CORE STRATEGy SETTlEMENT STRATEGy

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   PlANNING FOR GROWTh CORE STRATEGy SETTlEMENT STRATEGy 36FINGAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 In accordance with the Planning Acts, the Core Strategy is evidence based, utilising data based on population trends and household targets. It demonstrates how land already zoned or proposed for zoning will accommodate projected housing demand. The Core Strategy also sets out details of the economic and retail strategy for the County so there is an overall integrated and coherent approach to how the future of Fingal is planned and the places people work, live and make use of are interlinked. 2.2.2 Housing Strategy The Housing Strategy for Fingal County Council is included as Appendix 1 to the Development Plan and includes a Housing Need Demand Assessment (HNDA). A Housing Strategy is a mandatory requirement of the Development Plan under Part V of the PDA. The purpose of the Housing Strategy is to address the overall housing needs of the existing and future population of the area and the scale and needs for supported housing types. The outcomes from the Housing Strategy inform the Core Strategy and other policies and objectives within the plan with regard to future housing need. 2.2.3 Policy Context National Planning Framework (NPF) – First Revision (2025) The NPF is the Government’s high level strategic plan for shaping the future growth and development of the country to 2040. Compact growth is a key strategic objective of the Plan and there is a particular focus on Dublin, with the NPF advocating an approach of consolidation and densification across the City Region. This will require focus on utilising brownfield sites, particularly those along existing and planned public transport corridors. There is also an emphasis on key Future Growth Enablers for Dublin, including progressing the sustainable development of new greenfield areas for housing, especially those on public transport corridors and delivering the key rail projects set out in the Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area including MetroLink, DART expansion and the Luas Green Line link to MetroLink. The revised NPF provides a series of National Policy Objectives (NPOs), a number of which have informed the Core Strategy, including: ¨ NPO's 3, 4, 7, and 9 seek the delivery of new homes within the footprint of existing settlements. ƿ NPO 7, Deliver at least 40% of all new homes nationally, within the built-up footprint of existing settlements. ƿ NPO 4, Deliver at least half (50%) of all new homes that are targeted in the five Cities and suburbs within their existing built-up footprints. ƿ NPO 9, Deliver at least 30% of all new homes that are targeted in settlements, within their existing built-up footprints. ¨ NPO 20 states that there will be a presumption in favour of development that can encourage more people and generate more jobs and activity within existing cities, towns and villages, subject to development meeting appropriate planning standards and achieving targeted growth. PlANNING FOR GROWTh CORE STRATEGy SETTlEMENT STRATEGy

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   PlANNING FOR GROWTh CORE STRATEGy SETTlEMENT STRATEGy 37FINGAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 ¨ NPO no. 101 deals with the NPF ‘tiered approach’ to zoned lands to differentiate between i) serviced Zoned Lands; and ii) zoned lands that are serviceable during the life of the Development Plan. Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy and Metropolitan Area Spatial Plan The Eastern and Midlands Regional Assembly (EMRA) prepared the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy (RSES) in June 2019 for the Eastern and Midlands region; which gives effect to the NPF at regional level. The RSES further endorses the NPF’s principles of consolidation, brownfield development, densification and compact growth. The RSES sets out a new regional plan providing a long-term spatial planning direction for the region in which Dublin is categorised as a Global Gateway in recognition of the international role it plays for the country. Included in the RSES is the 12–20 year Metropolitan Area Strategic Plan (MASP) for Dublin. The MASP identifies a regional framework which aligns population and employment growth with associated transport and infrastructure investment priorities. In terms of the future growth of the city of Dublin, the MASP identifies a number of large-scale strategic areas based on key transport corridors with a capacity to deliver significant development up to the year 2031. These are defined as Strategic Development Areas and Strategic Employment Lands and the Core Strategy must align with these. The RSES and MASP also support active land management providing guiding principles to deal with the complexities of brownfield and infill sites in the preparation of the Core Strategy. A key element of the RSES is the population allocation provided for Fingal. The Core Strategy aligns with these population figures. This is detailed below. 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. 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; and ¨ LUAS Greenline Capacity Enhancement including an extension of LUAS to Finglas. PlANNING FOR GROWTh CORE STRATEGy SETTlEMENT STRATEGy

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   PlANNING FOR GROWTh CORE STRATEGy SETTlEMENT STRATEGy 38FINGAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 ¨ 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. ¨ 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. Department of Housing Local Government and Heritage – Section 28 Guidelines The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage (the Department) over the lifetime of different governments has produced various Ministerial Guidelines, known as Section 28 Planning Guidelines, to inform and guide Local Authorities in carrying out their duties. The contents of the following Guidelines have informed the Core Strategy and the policies and objectives of the Development Plan: ¨ Development Plans – Guidelines for Planning Authorities, 2022 (in Draft form in 2021) ¨ Housing Supply Target Methodology for Development Planning, Guidelines for Planning Authorities, December 2020 ¨ Design Standards for New Apartments – Guidelines for Planning Authorities, 2020 ¨ Urban Development and Building Height Guidelines, 2018 ¨ Interim Guidelines for Planning Authorities on Statutory Plans, Renewable Energy and Climate Change, 2017 ¨ Sustainable Residential Developments in Urban Areas, May 2009 ¨ The Planning System and Flood Risk Management – Guidelines for Planning Authorities, 2009 ¨ Appropriate Assessment of Plans and Projects in Irelands – Guidance for Planning Authorities, 2009 ¨ Implementation of the SEA Directive: Guidelines for Regional Authorities and Planning Authorities, 2004 Since 2018, the Planning and Development (Amendment) Act, 2018 introduced a requirement for Planning Authorities to implement Specific Planning Policy Requirements (SPPRs) where they are set out in Guidelines, in the performance of their functions. A statement of compliance with the various Section 28 Ministerial PlANNING FOR GROWTh CORE STRATEGy SETTlEMENT STRATEGy

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   PlANNING FOR GROWTh CORE STRATEGy SETTlEMENT STRATEGy 39FINGAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 Guidelines and associated SPPRs is contained within Appendix 2. Of particular interest to this Chapter of the Plan, the Department published the Housing Supply Target Methodology for Development Planning, December 2020, Projected Housing Demand by Local Authority Area 2020 – 2031 ESRI NPF Scenario Housing Supply Target. It contains housing supply targets for each individual Local Authority. These housing requirement figures, are used as part of the Core Strategy figures, detailed below under Section 2.2.10. Figure 2.1: Core Strategy Map PlANNING FOR GROWTh CORE STRATEGy SETTlEMENT STRATEGy

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    PlANNING FOR GROWTh CORE STRATEGy SETTlEMENT STRATEGy 40FINGAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 Housing For All – a New Housing Plan for Ireland (Sept 2021) The government’s vision for the housing system over the longer term is to achieve a steady supply of housing in the right locations with economic, social and environmental sustainability built into the system. Launched in September 2021, Housing for All – a New Housing Plan for Ireland is the government’s housing plan to 2030. It is a multi-annual, multi-billion euro plan which seeks to improve Ireland’s housing system and deliver more homes of all types for people with different housing needs. The plan aims to satisfy demand for housing across four tenures – affordable, social, private rental and private ownership. The plan estimates that Ireland will need an average of 33,000 new homes to be provided each year from 2021 to 2030 to meet targets set out for additional households, as outlined in the National Planning Framework. This will include over 10,000 social homes each year over the next five years, with 9,500 of these being new-builds, and an average of 6,000 affordable homes for purchase or rent. The plan provides four pathways to achieving housing for all supported by actions to be taken by Government Departments, Local Authorities, State agencies and others to enable a sustainable housing system. The four pathways to housing for all are: 1. Supporting home ownership and increasing affordability. 2. Eradicating homelessness, increasing social housing delivery and supporting social inclusion. 3. Increasing new housing supply. 4. Addressing vacancy and efficient use of existing stock. 2.2.4 Quantitative Data Underpinning the Core Strategy This section summarises the key quantitative data used to inform the preparation of the Core Strategy. The two key sets of figures, required to input to the Core Strategy, are population and housing. In this regard, the key data sources are: ¨ Eastern Midland and Regional Authority: Population Allocation for Fingal County Council (July 2020); ¨ Department Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Housing Targets for Dublin City Council (December 2020). The other main sources of quantitative data under this section include an analysis of the Dublin Housing Taskforce (DHTF) Returns for Fingal County Council, which reports on residential planning and construction activity, and the Central Statistics Office (CSO) data on population, housing completions and employment figures. The CSO Census of 2016 (including the most recent CSO annual regional area population projections published August 2020) and the quarterly CSO Local Authority Area New Dwelling Completions also inform the Core Strategy. The Core Strategy has been updated in accordance with the National Planning Framework - First Revision 2025 which sets national targets for population and housing growth and the relevant implementation guidelines issued under Section 28 relating to housing growth requirements. 2.2.5 Fingal County Council Population Baseline The population of the Fingal County Council area has increased each inter-censal period between 2006–2016. The 2006 Census recorded a population figure of 239,992 rising to a recorded population figure of 273,991 (+14.17%) in 2011 with a recorded population figure of 296,020 (+8%) in Census 2016. The preliminary Census 2022 results indicate that the population of the County has since grown by a further 11% to 329,218. With PlANNING FOR GROWTh CORE STRATEGy SETTlEMENT STRATEGy

Source Fingal County Council: Fingal Development Plan 2023–2029 – Written Statement (Consolidated) (2023–2029) · 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.