Action urged on limiting urban sprawl
Among the actions prioritised are the redirection of industrial investment from Dublin to other regions and the diversion of traffic out of Dublin Port to other ports on the east and south east coasts.
An immediate and comprehensive audit of all vacant, derelict and underused land in the urban area is also called for to identify existing sites for housing and other suitable developments without encroaching on green-field sites.
The strategy also recommends a redistribution of housing with the provision of smaller units in traditional residential areas to cater for the increasing number of one-person households and free up family-sized homes. It also says planners should vigorously promote a “living over the shop” policy.
There is also a strong emphasis on improving public transport links to ease commuting between the urban centre and surrounding towns and so reduce the pressure for development in the “green lungs” between them.
The strategy looks at Dublin as the Greater Dublin Area (GDA) which it defines as consisting of two parts: a metropolitan area extending beyond the traditional city centre boundaries to Swords, Greystones and Maynooth; and the hinterland which includes Drogheda, Navan, Newbridge and Arklow.
Towns within the GDA have been prioritised for development with Navan, Balbriggan, Drogheda, Wicklow and the Naas/Newbridge/Kilcullen area all designated “primary development centres” which could potentially see their populations increase to 40,000.
Arklow, Athy, Kildare-Monasterevin and Rush-Lusk are designated as “secondary development centres” while Bray, Greystones and Delgany are earmarked to be “further developed”, but there is a warning that these centres should not be allowed to become dormitory towns for urban Dublin.
The population of Greater Dublin is expected to increase to 1.764 million in the next ten years with an estimated 184,000 additional houses and apartments needed to accommodate the extra people.
The strategy promotes a policy of “intensification without compromising amenity”, noting the expansion of Dublin has led to loss of quality of life for many residents.
To avoid the latter, it says towns in the hinterland should be self-sufficient in schools, hospitals and other services where possible but that good public transport links should also be provided to give ease of access to Dublin-based services.
The strategy also calls for improved water and waste management services and investment in “quality of life” attractions such as childcare facilities and cultural amenities. It also urges efforts towards eliminating areas of social deprivation.
Only the larger towns are earmarked for housing developments. The priority for villages and towns with a population of less than 5,000 is to preserve their character, enhance their facilities and improve public transport links.
The importance of “green lungs” for the urban areas is recognised and priority is given to protecting the natural environment, particularly Dublin Bay, the Dublin and Wicklow Mountains, the Boyne and Liffey Valleys and public parks.
