Public invited to have their say on future planning in Dublin’s Docklands

The public can have their say on a new Draft Plan for a critical section of the Dublin Docklands over a six week period from today Monday 25th March to Friday 10th May, inclusive. The focus of the Plan is an area of strategic importance to the City, Region and State.

The planning scheme is the first published by the local authority since the Government decision last May to wind up the Dublin Docklands Development Authority and transfer its powers to the council.
 
The North Lotts & Grand Canal Dock Strategic Development Zone Draft (SDZ)Planning Scheme covers a 60 hectare area in the Docklands. It centres on the area between Spencer Dock and Point Village on the north side and the Grand Canal Dock Area on the south side. This makes up the core regeneration area of the Dublin Docklands Environs. About 22 hectares of the 60 hectare draft plan area are currently undeveloped.

The draft plan, prepared by Dublin City Council, indicates the type and extent of the development to be permitted in the North Lotts & Grand Canal Dock SDZ. It also has proposals on urban design, transport, service provision, public amenities and community services.

“Planning has a huge role to play in the development of the Docklands. The plan is a blueprint for moving the Docklands forward following the economic difficulties of recent years. The core objective is to nurture and support economic activity while creating a unique urban quarter that draws on the area’s powerful maritime character. The plan will also build on the strong community regeneration that has been achieved in the Docklands in recent years. The public’s views are important to the success of the Scheme and I strongly encourage everyone to engage with us and to submit their views by 10th May”, says Dick Gleeson, Dublin City Planner.

Dublin City Council will prepare a report based on the submissions which will then be presented to the Elected Members in the early summer. A final plan will come into effect later in 2013. However the final date will depend on the level of amendments and is subject to the planning appeals process.

The council will take all submissions into account and is encouraging anyone with an interest to make their views known whether these support or suggest amendments to  the draft proposals .To see the draft plan see www.dublincity.ie . Details on how to make a submission or where to view the plan are below.

You can view the draft plan at the following locations from Monday 25th March to Friday 10th May:

• The Civic Offices, Wood Quay, Dublin 8
• Dublin Docklands Development Authority Offices, Custom House Quay, Dublin 1
• Central Area HQ, 51/53 Sean MacDermott Street Lower, Dublin 1
• Ringsend & Irishtown Community Centre Ltd., Thorncastle Street, Dublin 4
• Ringsend Library, Fitzwilliam Street, Dublin 4 (during Library Opening Hours)
• Pearse Street Library, 138-144 Pearse Street, Dublin 2  (during Library Opening Hours)

The documents may also be viewed on the Dublin City Council website atwww.dublincity.ie