We can only assume efforts to fast-track this rezoning are an attempt to push it through ahead of the SHD legislation lapsing at the end of the year
The rezoning of a 106-acre site in Finglas should be deferred until next year when the new 2022-2028 development plan will be published, according to Social Democrats Councillor Cat O’Driscoll.
Cllr O’Driscoll said the Social Democrats would therefore vote to reject the rezoning at a meeting of Dublin City Council tonight.
“We have been asked to consider the rezoning of this huge tract of land in isolation – completely divorced from the wider development plan, which will be under consideration in a matter of mere months.
“If the rezoning were to be agreed tonight, development of the site would take place in the context of the current mandatory National Planning Guidelines and the Strategic Housing Development (SHD) process which has allowed fast-track planning and low planning standards, without limits on height.
“These guidelines and standards are contrary to many of the principles of our current City Development Plan, they have been roundly criticised by many members of Dublin City Council and they are not conducive to the good planning and development of local communities.
“Further, the SHD process is expiring at the end of this year and no one is yet sure what, if anything, will replace it.
“Given the new city development plan is in progress and will be published in 2022, we can only assume efforts to fast-track this rezoning are an attempt to push it through ahead of the SHD legislation lapsing at the end of this year.
“Based on experience to date, SHD development of the site with high-rise apartments would ultimately result in the block-purchase of these units by investment funds, thereby denying local people the opportunity to buy a home.
“Consideration of this proposal – together with other identified industrial estates suitable for rezoning across the city – in the context of the wider Development Plan review process, would allow for the creation of a new zoning category to cater for the appropriate use of such strategic sites.
“This would ensure the protection of local enterprise; maximisation of local jobs; provision of high-quality, mixed tenure housing and appropriate local amenities, infrastructure and services.”
14 June, 2021
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