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

1. Page 71

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   PlANNING FOR GROWTh CORE STRATEGy SETTlEMENT STRATEGy 71FINGAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029DLRSDCC DCC FCC Wicklow Kildare Meath Laois Offaly Westmeath Longford Wicklow/Rathnew Bray Navan Naas Mullingar Tullamore Longford Portlaoise Dublin City Maynooth Swords Maynooth Drogheda Dublin City The growth strategy for the Eastern and Midland Region to 2031 will have a direct impact on the growth and development of the County over the life of the Development Plan and provides for the following key considerations which are applicable to Fingal. ¨ Support the continued growth of Dublin as the national economic engine ¨ Deliver sustainable growth of the Metropolitan Area through the Dublin Metropolitan Area Strategic Plan (MASP) ¨ Support vibrant rural areas with a network of towns and villages ¨ Facilitate the collaboration and growth of the Dublin – Belfast Economic Corridor ¨ Embed a network of Key Towns (Swords) to deliver sustainable regional development ¨ Support the transition to a low carbon, climate resilient and environmentally sustainable region. Dublin Metropolitan Area Plan (MASP) Forming a part of the RSES, the Dublin Metropolitan Area Strategic Plan (MASP) sets out a strategic planning and investment framework for the Dublin Metropolitan area. Dublin MASP, which relates to the primary urban centres of Fingal, seeks to provide an integrated land use and transportation strategy which sets out: ¨ A vision for the future growth of the Metropolitan Area and key growth enablers, identifying strategic corridors based on their capacity to achieve compact sustainable and sequential growth along key public transport corridors, existing and planned; ¨ Large scale strategic residential, employment and regeneration development opportunities and any infrastructure deficits or constraints that need to be addressed; and ¨ A sequence of infrastructure priorities to promote greater co-ordination between local authorities, public transport and infrastructure providers for the phased delivery of sites. PlANNING FOR GROWTh CORE STRATEGy SETTlEMENT STRATEGy

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   PlANNING FOR GROWTh CORE STRATEGy SETTlEMENT STRATEGy 72FINGAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 Fingal has a key role to play in relation to the integrated land use and transportation strategy within the regional framework, aligning population and employment growth with associated transport and infrastructure investment. The Strategic Corridors and areas of relevance for Fingal are: ¨ City Centre within the M50 (multi-modal) ƿ Identifies the potential of unlocking long term capacity in the strategic landbank at Dunsink. ¨ North – South Corridor (DART Extension) ƿ The DART Expansion Programme, to be delivered by 2027 will increase capacity on the northern commuter line and support ongoing large-scale urban expansion of the North Fringe lands and Donabate. ¨ North-West Corridor ƿ Strategic development areas along the Dunboyne/M3 parkway line include the Dublin Enterprise Zone (linked to improved bus connections) and Hansfield lands. ¨ MetroLink-LUAS Corridor ƿ The development of the proposed MetroLink project, subject to appraisal and delivery post 2027, will unlock significant long-term capacity in Swords-Lissenhall and in South Fingal – Dublin Airport, subject to the protection of airport capacity and accessibility. Having regard to the foregoing, the Settlement Hierarchy for Fingal has been developed in accordance with the guiding principles established under the NPF, RSES (including MASP). The Settlement Hierarchy aligns with the Core Strategy and is informed by the Housing Strategy and HNDA as set out earlier in this chapter. The resultant structure takes into account the important roles and functions which each town and village performs in a regional context and will ensure that future growth and accompanying investment is appropriately directed. This should occur in tandem with measures to strengthen sense of place and community identity. The Settlement Hierarchy is set out in Table 2.20. PlANNING FOR GROWTh CORE STRATEGy SETTlEMENT STRATEGy

3. Page 73

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   PlANNING FOR GROWTh CORE STRATEGy SETTlEMENT STRATEGy 73FINGAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 Table 2.20: Fingal Settlement Hierarchy Settlement Typology Description Metropolitan Core Dublin City and Suburbs International business core with a highly concentrated and diversified employment base and higher order retail, arts, culture and leisure offer. Acts as national transport hub with strong inter and intra-regional connections and an extensive commuter catchment. Majority of Fingal’s urban footprint including Blanchardstown (Clonsilla, Castleknock, Hollystown) Baldoyle, Sutton, Howth, Belcamp, Balgriffin, Santry (incl Ballymun) Charlestown, Meakestown. Regional Growth Centres Regional Growth Centres are large towns with a high level of self-sustaining employment and services that act as regional economic drivers and play a significant role for a wide catchment area. Not applicable to Fingal Key Towns Large economically active service and/or county towns that provide employment for their surrounding areas and with high-quality transport links and the capacity to act as growth drivers to complement the Regional Growth Centres Swords (i)Self- Sustaining Growth Towns (i) Self-Sustaining Growth Towns with a moderate level of jobs and services – includes sub-county market towns and commuter towns with good transport links and capacity for continued commensurate growth to become more selfsustaining. Donabate (ii)Self- Sustaining Towns (ii) Self-Sustaining Towns with high levels of population growth and a weak employment base which are reliant on other areas for employment and/or services and which require targeted ‘catch up’ investment to become more self-sustaining. Malahide, Portmarnock Balbriggan, Rush, Lusk, Skerries Towns and villages Towns and villages with local service and employment functions Baskin, Kinsaley, Rivermeade, Coolquay, Rowlestown, Portrane Balrothery, Oldtown, Loughshinny, Ballyboghil, Naul, Balscadden, Garristown, Ballymadun Rural Villages and the wider rural region Rural Fingal and Rural Clusters PlANNING FOR GROWTh CORE STRATEGy SETTlEMENT STRATEGy

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   PlANNING FOR GROWTh CORE STRATEGy SETTlEMENT STRATEGy 74FINGAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 Table 2.21: Fingal Settlement Hierarchy Metropolitan Area Core Area Dublin City and Suburbs Consolidation Area Blanchardstown, Baldoyle, Castleknock, Clonsilla, Hollystown, Howth, Mulhuddart Village, Sutton, Santry (Incl. Ballymun), Balgriffin & Belcamp, Charlestown & Meakstown Key Town Swords Self Sustaining Growth Town Donabate Self Sustaining Town Malahide, Portmarnock Self Sustaining Towns Balbriggan, Lusk, Rush Skerries Towns and Villages Portrane, Coolquay, Kinsealy, Rivermeade, Rowlestown, Baskin Other Core Towns and Villages Balrothery, Loughshinny, Ballyboghil, Naul, Balscadden, Oldtown, Garristown, Ballymadun Rural – Clusters and Rural Area See Chapter 14, Section 14.12 for a full list of rural clusters General Settlement Objectives Future growth within Fingal will align with the Settlement Hierarchy in Table 2.20 ensuring that development is directed to the existing settlements including those defined as being within Dublin City and Suburbs, and towns and villages within the Metropolitan and Core areas. Growth will be focused in accordance with active land management strategies including existing and future Local Area Plans and Masterplans. This recognises the ambitious goal of the NPF to ensure compact growth with 50% of housing to be provided within or contiguous to the built-up area of Dublin City and Suburbs recognising that key public transport corridors (existing and planned) present significant development opportunities. To ensure the delivery of Regional Strategic Outcomes as identified in RSES, it is important the Settlement Strategy is effective in five key areas: ¨ Creation of sustainable settlement patterns ¨ Achievement of compact growth and urban regeneration ¨ Support and enhancement of rural communities ¨ Creation of healthy communities ¨ Achievement of creative places PlANNING FOR GROWTh CORE STRATEGy SETTlEMENT STRATEGy

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   PlANNING FOR GROWTh CORE STRATEGy SETTlEMENT STRATEGy 75FINGAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 Policy CSP12 – NPF and RSES Promote compact growth in line with the NPF and RSES through the inclusion of specific policies and targeted and measurable implementation measures that: ¨ Encourage infill / brownfield development, ¨ Focus growth on the County’s designated strategic development areas identified in the Metropolitan Area Strategic Plan (MASP), ¨ Promote increased densities along public transport corridors. Policy CSP13 – Addressing Infrastructural Deficits Accelerate the availability of lands ready for residential development by aiming to address current infrastructural deficits where these are known to be delaying residential development. Policy CSP14 – Consolidation and Re-Intensification of Infill/Brownfield Sites Support the consolidation and re-intensification of infill/brownfield sites to provide high density and people intensive uses within the existing built up area of Dublin City and suburbs and ensure that the development of future development areas is co-ordinated with the delivery of key water infrastructure and public transport projects. Policy CSP15 – Compact Growth and Regeneration Support the implementation of and promote development consistent with the National Strategic Outcome of Compact Growth as outlined in the NPF and the Regional Strategic Outcome of Compact Growth and Regeneration as set out in the RSES. Policy CSP16 – Housing Strategy Ensure that the Housing Strategy insofar as is feasible, addresses the diverse needs of all of Fingal’s citizens meeting, where possible, their diverse accommodation needs. Policy CSP17 – Socially and Economically Balanced Sustainable Communities Foster the development of socially and economically balanced sustainable communities. Policy CSP18 – Promotion of Residential Development Promote residential development addressing the current shortfall in housing provision and meeting target guidance figures, through a co-ordinated planned approach to developing appropriately zoned lands at key locations, including regeneration areas, and vacant and underutilised sites. Objective CSO17 – Mixture of House Types Promote high quality residential development which meets the needs of all stages of the life cycle through an appropriate mix of house type and local amenities. Objective CSO18 – Infill Spaces on FCC Owned Lands (Residential) Where feasible, that infill spaces on residential zoned lands in the ownership of Fingal County Council, are used to build social houses to increase our housing stock. PlANNING FOR GROWTh CORE STRATEGy SETTlEMENT STRATEGy

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   PlANNING FOR GROWTh CORE STRATEGy SETTlEMENT STRATEGy 76FINGAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 Objective CSO19 – Tree Lined Approaches Retain existing tree-lined approaches to all towns and villages to preserve their special character. Objective CSO20 – Network of Pathways/Cycleways Develop a comprehensive network of signed pedestrian and cycleways linking residential areas to one another, to the village centres, schools, recreational hubs and railway stations. 2.7.2 Role of Each Settlement: As stipulated in the NPF, an increase in the proportion of more compact forms of growth in the development of settlements of all sizes, from the largest city to the smallest village, has the potential to make a transformational difference. This includes enhancing footfall, contributing to the viability of services, shops and public transport, increasing housing supply and enabling more people to be closer to employment and recreational opportunities. NPO 3b requires the delivery of 50% of all new homes in the country’s cities, including Dublin, within existing built-up footprints. In this regard, higher densities should be applied to the Dublin City and Suburbs settlement with a graded reduction in the lower-level settlements. NPO 7 requires a tailored approach to urban development, linked to the Rural and Urban Regeneration and Development Fund while NPO 8 sets out the targeted pattern of population growth. Framed by the strategic direction and policies set out in this chapter, the role and function including policies and objectives applicable to each settlement in Fingal’s Settlement Hierarchy are set out below. Figure 2.3 Dublin City and Suburbs and MASP Boundary 4 Dublin City & Suburbs MASP Boundary PlANNING FOR GROWTh CORE STRATEGy SETTlEMENT STRATEGy

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   PlANNING FOR GROWTh CORE STRATEGy SETTlEMENT STRATEGy 77FINGAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 Dublin City and Suburbs Areas of Fingal categorised as Dublin City and Suburbs with respect to RSES, comprise the majority of Fingal’s urban footprint including Blanchardstown, Clonsilla, Castleknock, Coolmine, Mulhuddart, Ongar, Tyrellstown, Hollystown; to the south the settlements of Santry (including Ballymun) Charlestown and Meakestown as well as the communities of Baldoyle, Sutton, Howth, Balgriffin and Belcamp which lie in proximity to Fingal’s coast. Dunsink The strategic location and development potential of lands at Dunsink is recognised within the RSES and this Development Plan. This land area comprises 435 hectares and is located at the south-western fringe of Fingal within the M50. The lands are characterised by their current use for predominantly astronomical and agricultural research, and recreational amenity purposes. There are also a handful of 18th or 19th century historic houses with associated historic planting schemes within the area. The Royal Canal and Tolka River Valley run to the south of the lands while Elm Green Golf Course covers a large part of the western portion of the site, with the closed landfill located to the north. This Development Plan fully understands that the lands at Elmgreen Golf Club are an important community recreational facility and that any development should be highly sensitive to this. The area also includes the Dunsink Observatory which operates as part of the Astronomy and Astrophysics Section of the Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies (DIAS). Dunsink Observatory has been a centre for astronomical research and public engagement in Ireland since its foundation in 1785, and has been home to many of Ireland’s most famous scientists, including Sir William Rowan Hamilton. This unique scientific and cultural feature is an asset for the future development of the area. Due to the nature of the scientific research undertaken by the observatory it has a particular sensitivity to light pollution coming from the surrounding environment which would need to be carefully considered for any future development in the area. This Plan seeks to provide the Hamilton Way, a pedestrian link from the Observatory to Ashtown Train Station. Located only six kilometres from Dublin City Centre, this area provides a unique opportunity to significantly consolidate the Dublin Gateway in a sustainable manner underpinned by high quality public transport given the site benefits from close proximity to the existing heavy rail network at Ashtown and the proposed extension to the Luas to Finglas. The closed landfill offers an opportunity for a regional park and will be a key part of the amenity facilities of any future urban neighbourhood. The recently carried out Dunsink Feasibility Study envisaged that the lands could facilitate approximately 7,000 residential units. While recognising these lands as a potential strategic landbank for the County, it is acknowledged that this land bank will require Strategic Development Zone (SDZ) status, or other relevant planning-related designation. The scale and extent of both areas is significant and has great potential to provide high quality new housing and commercial development within the County. However, there are significant challenges in delivering such lands including provision of physical and social infrastructure, fragmented land ownership, the sensitivity of the historic observatory to increased night-time light levels, and the challenges of implementation. It is likely that the regeneration of these lands will be over a longer time frame than the Plan and the overall impact on the Core Strategy for this Plan is non-existent. PlANNING FOR GROWTh CORE STRATEGy SETTlEMENT STRATEGy

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   PlANNING FOR GROWTh CORE STRATEGy SETTlEMENT STRATEGy 78FINGAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 Blanchardstown and Suburbs Blanchardstown, strategically located at the intersection of the N3 and M50 national roads, is the largest settlement centre in Fingal, encompassing the important urban neighbourhoods of Clonsilla, Castleknock, Coolmine, Mulhuddart, Ongar, Tyrellstown and Hollystown. Overall, the greater Blanchardstown area is home to approximately 108,000 people as of the 2016 Census. Blanchardstown is designated as a Level 2 ‘Major Town Centre’ in the Retail Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area and is one of the largest and most important retail centres in the State. In addition to Blanchardstown Town Centre, numerous large public sector employers are based in the area including Fingal County Council, Connolly Hospital and Technological University Dublin (TU Dublin) Blanchardstown. Blanchardstown is a key location for foreign direct investment and major largescale ICT and pharmaceutical companies have long established operations in the area. Blanchardstown is also home to the Dublin Enterprise Zone and to the National Sports Campus, a state-of-the-art sports facility located at Abbottstown. The Hansfield Strategic Development Zone (SDZ) continues to provide for new sustainable communities served by a new train station on the Clonsilla to M3 Parkway railway spur. Future new sustainable communities within Barnhill and Kellystown will also benefit from direct access to high-capacity rail transport, with significant provision also made for active travel options. Recently adopted Local Area Plans in these areas provide land use frameworks to guide a range of housing, community infrastructure and high-quality recreational opportunities, creating distinctive new communities. This land area, located just six miles from Dublin city centre, comprises approximately 435 hectares, of which approximately 200 will be available for development. The area, located within the M50 cordon, is currently characterised by agricultural and recreational amenity lands and offers significant potential for consolidation in a sustainable manner underpinned by high-capacity public transport given its proximity to Ashtown station and Luas Finglas – the Green Line Extension. A detailed feasibility study of these lands, including examination of current infrastructural constraints is complete. In line with regional planning policy, development of a mixed-use district providing approximately 7,000 residential units as a long-term strategic land bank is envisaged. Charlestown Meakestown, Santry (including Ballymun), Balgriffin and Belcamp The southern part of the County comprises the existing communities of Charlestown, Meakstown, Santry (including Ballymun) Clonshaugh, Belcamp and Balgriffin. This area lies in close proximity to the administrative boundary with Dublin City Council and has experienced significant growth in recent years, comprising a mix of residential and expanding employment. The communities of Charlestown and Meakstown form important residential settlements to the south of the M50 and the area is well served by retail facilities focussed on the Charlestown Shopping Centre, a Level 3 centre within the Fingal Retail Hierarchy, with schools and community facilities provided close by in Dublin City Council. A Framework Plan is proposed for the Jamestown Industrial Estate to examine future rejuvenation opportunities for the lands, due to their location adjoining regeneration lands in the Dublin City Council area. Future transportation investment including Luas Finglas, Northwood MetroLink stop and BusConnects will benefit ongoing residential and commercial expansion within the area. Transformative change is ongoing to the east at Balgriffin and adjacent the northern extent of Dublin City Council’s operational area, where new residential communities continue to be formed, focused largely on multi-storey, multi-unit schemes benefiting from proximity to DART rail access. Fingal County Council is currently progressing plans for multi- PlANNING FOR GROWTh CORE STRATEGy SETTlEMENT STRATEGy

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   PlANNING FOR GROWTh CORE STRATEGy SETTlEMENT STRATEGy 79FINGAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 purpose community facilities at Lanesborough. This will provide a new sports hall and community centre at Lanesborough Park in Meakstown, to help cater for a wide-range of community, recreational, education and sporting activities in the area. Lanesborough Park will also be developed. Strategically, the area benefits from a multitude of employment hubs, including the wider service centres of Blanchardstown, Swords, Finglas, Dublin City and crucially Dublin Airport. Significant employment opportunities exist within long established industrial and business campuses located within both local authority areas, benefiting from access to the M50 and Dublin Belfast strategic corridors. These include Clonshaugh Business Park, Clonshaugh, Airways and Santry Hall Industrial Parks. Given the proximity to Dublin Airport, the area benefits unsurprisingly from the presence of established and evolving specialised aviation related industries, both international and indigenous. This Plan will pursue objectives to consolidate, enhance and renew the settlements identified ensuring the growth of sustainable communities and strengthening economic performance in order to maximise the competitive advantages arising from the area’s geographic location and transport links. Baldoyle, Sutton and Howth Baldoyle, Sutton and Howth are long established, historical settlements with distinct character and sense of place which contribute significantly to the character of Fingal. Integral to their character and exceptional amenity offer is their coastal environment including coastal walks, nature reserves, beaches, Racecourse Park, Howth SAAO, Deer Park Castle and Grounds, Irelands Eye, Howth Marina and strong built heritage including the presence of Architectural Conservation Areas in both Baldoyle and Howth Villages as well as excellent public transport accessibility. It is envisaged that these areas will develop through the provision of a range of facilities to support existing and new populations. For this to be achieved, it is vital that the role of Baldoyle, Howth are strengthened, and development consolidated within the original villages. The natural heritage of Baldoyle Estuary and Ireland’s eye are areas of international importance, designated through a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and a Special Protection Area (SPA) and future development must respect the natural heritage sensitivities. Having regard to their proximity to Dublin City, they also comprise consolidation areas within the Metropolitan Area, benefiting from proximity to the DART network and continuing investment in active travel opportunities. Residential expansion is occurring at Stapolin and LIHAF (now URDF) funding was secured to deliver access to Clongriffin train station and other essential elements including a regional park, attenuation areas and road upgrade works. An increase in the proportion of more compact forms of growth has the potential to make a transformational difference, contributing to the viability of services, shops and public transport, increasing housing supply and enabling more people to live closer to employment and recreational opportunities. Demand for retail/services is in general, accommodated within Level 4 Small Town and Village Centres/ Local centres within the Retail Hierarchy. Baldoyle has two key employment centres, at Baldoyle Industrial Estate and Kilbarrack Industrial Estate, both providing significant employment for the wider area while Howth continues to demonstrate a wider range of economic functions due to its performance as a high-quality tourist destination and due to its important marine activities. The extension of the Middle Pier to improve access, maintenance, and berthing facilities will further strengthen and enhance Howth’s maritime industry. Sutton Cross is the gateway to the Howth Peninsula and an established suburb with a clear identity, community, and a range of urban services such as schools, retail and community facilities. It supports local services for the immediate populations of Howth, Sutton, Baldoyle and Bayside. PlANNING FOR GROWTh CORE STRATEGy SETTlEMENT STRATEGy

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    PlANNING FOR GROWTh CORE STRATEGy SETTlEMENT STRATEGy 80FINGAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029 Howth is afforded a high degree of protection because of SAAO and European Site designations while Sutton is also located in proximity to these designations. Significant investment has been carried out in relation to the Howth Head looped trails including improved surfacing, seating and way finding. Racecourse Park Baldoyle will be transformed to include walking and cycling routes, lighting, car parking, playgrounds as well as sporting and recreational facilities. The Baldoyle Portmarnock Greenway, part of the longer-term Sutton to Malahide Greenway, ultimately linking to the permitted Broadmeadow Greenway and the Sutton to Sandycove cycleway is and will continue to bring significant active travel and recreational opportunities to these areas. Policies and Objectives: Dublin City and Suburbs Policy CSP19 – Compact, Sequential and Sustainable Urban Growth Promote compact, sequential and sustainable urban growth to realise targets of at least 50% of all new homes to be built, within or contiguous to the existing built-up area of Dublin city and suburbs and a target of at least 30% for other metropolitan settlements, with a focus on healthy placemaking and improved quality of life. Policy CSP20 – Blanchardstown Consolidate the growth of Blanchardstown as set out in the Settlement Strategy for RSES by encouraging infill and brownfield development and compact growth rather than greenfield development and by intensification at appropriately identified locations. Policy CSP21 – Santry, Ballymun and Meakstown, Charlestown, Finglas and Lanesborough Define the areas of Santry, Ballymun and Meakstown, Charlestown, Finglas and Lanesborough positively by the development and enhancement of greater connectivity links between these areas and the rest of Fingal. Policy CSP22 – Howth, Sutton and Baldoyle Consolidate the development and protect the unique identity of Howth, Sutton and Baldoyle. This includes protection against overdevelopment. Policy CSP23 – Howth SAAO Protect the Howth Special Amenity Area Orders (SAAO), including the Buffer zone, from residential and industrial development intended to meet urban generated demand. Policy CSP24 – Liffey Valley SAAO Protect the Liffey Valley Special Amenity Area Orders (SAAO) from residential and industrial development intended to meet urban generated demand. Policy CSP25 – Dunsink Planetarium Promote the concept of a ‘planetarium’ on the lands of Dunsink adjacent to the Observatory. PlANNING FOR GROWTh CORE STRATEGy SETTlEMENT STRATEGy

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