Work is to start on the long-awaited Urban Centre Strategy for Howth.  This plan includes both Howth village area and the Techcrete site which recently changed hands.  This Strategy will be of great importance for the future of Howth.

At this stage, the Council is looking for public comments before work starts on the Strategy.

I would encourage all Howth residents as well as regular visitors to Howth to make their views known by 12th December. 

Full information is here.

In accordance with the Urban Development Policy of Part IV of the Fingal County Development Plan 2005-2011 Objective UO2 the County Council intends:
‘To produce an urban centre strategy for Howth Village’
The aim of the Urban Centre Strategy is to create a vision for Howth village centre which will provide a guide for future development proposals for the enhancement of the vitality and viability of the village whilst having regard to the special historic and architectural character of the area and its special amenity and tourism value. The Urban Centre Strategy will include the preparation of detailed urban design guidelines and actions for the village centre, the harbour area and the lands located to the west of the Dart Station comprising the SC zoning “ to protect and enhance the special physical and social character of major sub-urban centres and provide and/or improve urban facilities”. Possible issues for consideration in the strategy will include:
g Character and sensitivities
g Coordinated and integrated development
g Environmental improvements
g Need for new facilities/services (such as retail, leisure, hospitality, recreational, health)
g Design
g Access and parking associated with specific development site
The County Council hereby invites all interested parties to make submissions on the future development and use of lands in Howth Village.
A map and brief outlining the extent of lands which are the subject of the future strategy is available at the following locations: –

Fingal County Council Offices: –
County Hall, Swords, Fingal, Co. Dublin. Mon – Thurs 9.00 am – 5.00 pm & Fri 9.00 am to 4.30 pm
Baldoyle Offices, Baldoyle Library, Baldoyle ,Dublin 13, Mon – Thurs 9.00 am – 5.00 pm & Fri 9.00 am – 4.30 pm
Website: www.fingalcoco.ie/planningitemsondisplay

Other Locations:
Howth Public Library – check locally for opening hours.
Submissions should be made in writing to, Senior Executive Officer, Planning Department, Fingal County Council, County Hall, Swords, Fingal, Co. Dublin, or they can be e-mailed to devplan@fingalcoco.ie on or before 5.00 pm, Wednesday 12th December, 2007.
Dated: 14th November 2007.