{"id":2024,"date":"2026-09-25T21:16:00","date_gmt":"2026-09-25T21:16:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/davidhealy.com\/?p=2024"},"modified":"2026-09-25T21:16:00","modified_gmt":"2026-09-25T21:16:00","slug":"proposed-amendments-to-dunsink-urban-area-plan","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/davidhealy.com\/?p=2024","title":{"rendered":"Proposed Amendments to Dunsink Urban Area Plan"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>I have submitted the following amendments to the <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/consult.fingal.ie\/en\/consultation\/draft-dunsink-urban-area-plan\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https:\/\/consult.fingal.ie\/en\/consultation\/draft-dunsink-urban-area-plan\" target=\"_blank\">draft Dunsink Urban Area Plan<\/a>. Topics include <\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>phasing of the Luas to ensure this is transport-oriented development and without which the area will not succeed;<\/li><li>reducing downstream flood risks along the Tolka<\/li><li>protecting water quality through choice of building materials<\/li><li>enabling mixed use beside Navan Road<\/li><li>dezoning wetland area along the railway<\/li><li>protection from motorway noise<\/li><li>adressing land contamination<\/li><li>protecting people from construction traffic impacts<\/li><li>achieving diversity of housing units despite the Apartment Guidelines which prevent local planners requiring it.<\/li><li>protecting Dunsink Observatory from light pollution.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<!--more-->\n\n\n\n<h2>Luas<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>That the text under Phase 2 on p. 121 which reads<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cReservation and safeguarding of a continuous corridor for the future provision of Luas ensuring the proposed alignment is protected through site layout, with appropriate setbacks and interim uses and surface treatments that support future construction and operation of light rail.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>be amended to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cNew Luas Tyrrelstown extension under construction or operational.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Planning rationale: to ensure the development proceeds as a public transport-oriented development and ensure the availability of adequate public transport for residents, workers, and visitors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2>River Road quietway &#8211; phasing<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>That the following be included under Phase 1 on p. 120:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Development of quietway on River Road<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Planning rationale: to ensure appropriate active travel infrastructure from the first phase of the development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2>Energy Infrastructure Masterplan &#8211; phasing<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>That the following be included under Phase 1 on p. 120:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Drafting of Energy Infrastructure Masterplan<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Planning rationale: to ensure a planned approach to energy infrastructure in the area.That the LAP be amended by varying the CE\u2019s proposed amendment from<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2>Light pollution<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cRestrict the use of externally illuminated and digital advertising displays where they would result in unacceptable impacts on dark sky conditions, residential amenity, biodiversity, landscape character or the operation of Dunsink Observatory.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>to<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cProhibit the use of externally illuminated and digital advertising displays other than those to identify buildings or locations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cRestrict the use of externally illuminated and digital signage displays where they would result in unacceptable impacts on dark sky conditions, residential amenity, biodiversity, landscape character or the operation of Dunsink Observatory.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Planning rationale: to protect dark sky conditions, residential amenity, biodiversity, landscape character and the operation of Dunsink Observatory from unnecessary or unjustified light.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2>Zoning change beside train station<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>That in light of the recommendations of the OPR, and of the desirability of developing locations in close proximity to public transport and services, and of protecting local wetlands, to achieve consistency with national and regional planning policies, the Chief Executive bring forward a Variation to zone the lands currently zoned HT between Navan Road Parkway train station and the Travelodge marked on the attached map as MRE.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2>Protection of wetlands<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>That in light of the desirability of protecting local wetlands, to achieve consistency with national and regional planning policies, the Chief Executive bring forward a Variation to zone the lands currently zoned HT between Navan Road Parkway train station and the existing industrial development marked on the attached map as HA.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That in light of the potential desirability of changing their zonings in the Fingal Development Plan, the details for the Dunsink South Lands be omitted from this Urban Area Plan and replaced with an objective to bring forward a Variation tochange the zonings of this land in the Fingal Development Plan within 6 months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That in light of the fact that the wetland character of the land south of the railway line and east of the Navan Road Parkway station hasn\u2019t been recognised and that this area seems not to have been modelled or considered in the SFRA, this area be omitted from the UAP.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2>Protection of wetlands b<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Planning rationale: to ensure flood risks are properly considered&nbsp; before policies or objectives are applied to an area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2>Solar panels<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>That SIEF19 of the draft UAP be amended by amending \u201care encouraged\u201d to \u201cmay be required.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Planning rationale: to further the decarbonisation of electricity consistent with the Climate Action Plan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2>Embodied emissions\/ sequestered carbon<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>That the UAP include an Objective as follows:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cRequire developments to undertake whole life carbon assessment, to avail of carbon-sequestering materials, and to meet the RIAI Climate Challenge 2030 target of 450 kgCO<sub>2<\/sub>eq\/m<sup>2<\/sup>.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Planning rationale: to reduce the climate impact of construction consistent with the Climate Action Plan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2>Allotments<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>That the words \u201cand allotments\u201d be inserted after \u201cThis area will support biodiversity, ecological restoration and recreation\u2026\u201d on p.19 of the draft UAP.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Planning rationale: to support allotments in line with national and county policy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2>District Heating<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>That the second and third paragraphs under the heading 6.8 Gas which are not about gas be moved to the appropriate part of the UAP.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Rationale: readability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2>Light Pollution (2 motions)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ol><li>That the UAP include an Objective as follows:<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>Development on lands within a radius of 250m of Dunsink Observatory House shall demonstrate conformity with best lighting practices in minimising the impacts of these factors, as described by the International Dark Sky Association and their standards. A light intensity Zone Designation of E1: Intrinsically Dark would be implemented in accordance with Fingal Development Plan Objective DMSO247 Hierarchy of Light Intensities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Planning rationale: to protect dark sky conditions, residential amenity, biodiversity, landscape character and the operation of Dunsink Observatory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>2. That the UAP include an Objective as follows:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Future development on lands within a radius of 500m of Dunsink Observatory House shall demonstrate conformity with best lighting practices in Fingal County Council and our standards. A light intensity Zone Designation of E2: Low District Brightness would be implemented in accordance with Fingal Development Plan Objective DMSO247 Hierarchy of Light Intensities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Planning rationale: to protect dark sky conditions, residential amenity, biodiversity, landscape character and the operation of Dunsink Observatory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2>Tolka Valley Park<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>\u00a0That the designation for the Tolka Valley Park be widened to a minimum of 50m from the northern bank of the river.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Planning rationale: to protect the biodiversity, landscape and amenity value of the river, and to be consistent with the provisions of the Fingal Development Plan as regards ecological corridors (14.18.2.4).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2>Flood risks<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ol><li>That in light of the existing flood risks on the Tolka known from historic records and the increase in flood risks due to climate change, the UAP be amended as follows:<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 on p42 of the UAP by replacing \u201cin a manner that ensures no increase in flood risk within the Plan area or elsewhere\u201d with \u201cin a manner that ensures reduced flood risk within the Plan area or elsewhere\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 on p.9 of Appendix 4 by replacing \u201cthe management of rainfall runoff to ensure no increase in flood risk\u201d with \u201c the management of rainfall runoff to achieve a substantial reduction in flood risk in the Plan area and elsewhere.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 on p.13 of Appendix 4 by replacing \u201cno increase in flood risk elsewhere\u201d with \u201ca substantial reduction in flood risk elsewhere\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 on p.14 of Appendix 4 by replacing \u201cno increased risk to others outside the Plan Area\u201d with \u201creduced risk to others outside the Plan Area.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Planning rationale: to reduce flood-risk in a flood-prone catchment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>2. That any other changes required to make the rest of the UAP consistent with the provision on p.42 regarding reducing flood risk from the current risk level be made.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2>Light rail and active travel bridge over M50<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>That all references in the UAP such as the reference on p.43 of the CE\u2019s report and on the map on p.50 to a \u201cproposed light rail and active travel bridge crossing the M50\u201d consistently refer to both the light rail and the active travel elements of the bridge. \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Planning rationale: to provide for active travel and to be consistent with the provisions of the Fingal Development Plan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2>Water quality<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>That the following be added to the UAP: \u201cBuilding and landscape materials exposed to rainfall shall not cause deterioration of the quality of receiving waters. Materials containing copper, zinc, lead, or other environmentally hazardous substances shall not be used unless their compliance with this requirement is demonstrated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Planning rationale: to help achieve good ecological status in the Tolka in line with the Water Framework Directive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2>Joint committee with Dublin City Council<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>That recognising the significant cross boundary impacts of the development on Finglas and surrounding Dublin City Council communities, particularly in relation to roads, traffic, transport, biodiversity, Tolka Valley Park and community infrastructure, Fingal County Council works with Dublin City Council to draft terms of reference of joint working group in relation to the Dunsink City Quarter, \u00a0to be formally established under the Local Government Act.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2>Construction traffic dangers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>That the following objective be added: CM23A Ensure that safe walking and cycling routes are created and maintained for existing and new residents and for visitors to the area which are fully segregated from construction traffic in all phases of the development and that construction access routes are designated and enforced accordingly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Planning rationale: in the interest of road safety<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2>Density<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>That the density table on p.99 be amended to provide a net density range of c.60-150dph.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Planning rationale: to provide for appropriate housing typologies consistent with the Sustainable and Compact Settlements Guidelines for Planning Authorities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That the text on p.114 be amended to be consistent with the density ranges on pp.91, 96 and 99.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Planning rationale: consistency<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2>Protection from Motorway noise<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>That the following Objective be added to the UAP: \u201cEnsure that housing in the Dunsink West area meets the WHO Environmental Noise Guidelines for Europe for road traffic, including by whatever means are necessary including noise barriers and building design.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Planning rationale: public health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That the following Objective be added to the UAP: Require the provision of motorway noise barriers to protect residential amenity, the amenity of open space and amenity land.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2>Land contamination<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Planning rationale: public health and amenity<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That the following Objective be added to the UAP: In light of the known or suspected issue of land contamination in the Plan area on land not subject to an EPA licence (i.e. outside of the old Dunsink Dump area) and the lack of information as to the nature and extent of the problem, a land contamination study, including developing appropriate recommendations for remediation, will be carried out in advance of any development on land potentially affected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Planning rationale: public health<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2>Diversity of housing units<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>That the following be added to the UAP, after the first paragraph in 12.4.2:\u00a0 The provisions of the Planning Design Standards for Apartments severely curtail the Council\u2019s ability to promote or require diversity of unit sizes and designs. The Council will ask the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to amend these Standards, and in the absence of that, take whatever steps it can to achieve diversity of unit sizes and designs in the interest of the delivery of a range of housing typologies and tenure mixes to provide for a broad spectrum of future residents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Planning rationale: to achieve a wide range of housing types.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>I have submitted the following amendments to the draft Dunsink Urban Area Plan. Topics include phasing of the Luas to ensure this is transport-oriented development and without which the area will not succeed; reducing downstream flood risks along the Tolka protecting water quality through choice of building materials enabling mixed use beside Navan Road dezoning [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[1],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/davidhealy.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2024"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/davidhealy.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/davidhealy.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/davidhealy.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/davidhealy.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=2024"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/davidhealy.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2024\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2025,"href":"https:\/\/davidhealy.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2024\/revisions\/2025"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/davidhealy.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2024"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/davidhealy.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2024"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/davidhealy.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2024"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}