Public consultation on dlr’s Draft County Development Plan launched today

Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council’s Draft County Development Plan 2022-2028 has launched today and is now available online.

The local authority are inviting people to join the conversation and give them their views on the Draft Plan.

Members of the public, businesses, resident associations, community organisations, youth groups, children and groups that represent children are encouraged to comment on the Plan.

The first consultation phase has commenced today January 12 and will run up to and including the 16^th April 2021.

An Cathaoirleach Councillor Una Power said:

“We are midway through the preparation of the County Development Plan for the years 2022-2028.

“When this plan is implemented it will ensure for six years that there is inclusive, coherent and consistent planning across the County.

“The full Plan will be voted on by councillors later in 2021.

“For the first time we have created a virtual room which the public can access to see all aspects of the Draft Plan.

“We welcome all feedback on the Draft Plan and look forward to hearing from our citizens”.

The process of preparation of the Draft Plan kicked off this time last year when DLR County Council sought views from the public to frame the general direction of the Draft Plan.

The issues raised by the public included a growing concern around climate change, the need for housing choice and the desire for sustainable neighbourhoods with good community infrastructure.

Louise McGauran, Senior Planner, County Development Plan Team said:

“In normal times we would have a physical display at the same time but we have made the decision to delay the public display until after 31^st January.

“For anyone who isn’t able to view it on line they will be able to view it in the Ferry terminal in Dun Laoghaire town for the full required ten weeks from the start of February through to April.

“We are proceeding with the display based on central government advice which has stipulated that the Planning system will continue to operate.

“We are also looking for a suitable venue on the West side of the County.

“An advert will run in the National press with full details of both displays and our hope is that the public will be able to meet with us to discuss any aspect of the Draft Plan”.

The Draft Plan sets out a spatial framework for development in the County over the six year period from 2022 – 2028 and establishes that there is enough land zoned to allow for circa 20,000 new homes in both existing and new neighbourhoods.

The Draft Plan is underpinned by five strategic county outcomes and the overarching concept of the “ten minute” neighbourhood whereby communities are able to walk, cycle or use high quality public transport to get to the facilities they need for day to day living.

The Plan also introduces a brand new zoning objective – Sustainable Neighbourhood Infrastructure – which recognises the wealth of facilities – such as schools, community facilities, healthcare and childcare – that serve the community in the County.

To find out more about the Draft County Development Plan, please view all content here or watch the video here.