Issues Paper Booklet - English

DUBLIN CITY COUNCIL

Development Plan 2011-2017

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Your City, Your Say

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Dublin City Council Development Plan 2011 - 2017 Issues Paper

Your City, Your Say

Invitation From the City Manager One of the most important functions of Dublin City Council is the making of a Development Plan for the City. The next Dublin City Development Plan will provide for the future planning and sustainable development of Dublin City up to 2017. This Issues Paper is the first step in the preparation of a new Plan. As a starting point, we have attempted to identify the big challenges facing the City. We need to hear from you. Have we overlooked issues, which are of vital importance to you in your daily life in Dublin City? We need to know what these issues are. The Development Plan can help to create a more inclusive, attractive, competitive and safe city. The success of the next Dublin City Development Plan depends on your active participation. Dublin is Your City and we want you to have Your Say. John Tierney, City Manager, Dublin city Council Jan 09.

Your City, Your Say

Contents: Introduction International, National and Regional Dimension Sustainable Dublin Urban Form and Spatial Structure Population and Housing Economic Development and Employment Movement and Transport Community Development Arts & Culture Landscape and Open Space, Bio-diversity & Recreation Conservation & Built Heritage Sustainable Infrastructure Strategic Environmental Assessment Appendix 1: Development Plan Timetable Appendix 2: Development Plan Mandatory Requirements

Your City, Your Say

Introduction What is this Issues Paper for? Dublin City Council is starting the preparation of a new City Development Plan. This plan-making process will take two years and will end with the publication of the Dublin City Development Plan 2011-2017. Public displays and wide ranging consultation will take place throughout the two year process and regular updates on what's happening will be available at www.dublincity.ie This Issues Paper is meant to kick-start public debate on what broad planning and development matters should be included in the new Plan. This paper sets out what we consider to be the main development issues facing Dublin City but the list is not set in stone and we want to hear what you think. We want to hear your views on what you think are the 'big picture' issues facing the City. During the two year process there will be plenty of opportunity to raise and discuss more detailed matters but at this stage we would ask you to concentrate on the 'big picture' issues, and not, for example on the rezoning of particular parcels of land.

Your City, Your Say

If the new Plan is to reflect your concerns and aspirations, in addition to Government strategies and guidelines, it is important that we have your input right from the outset.

The City Manager very much welcomes your views, or those of any group or organisation you represent, on what you consider the next City Development Plan 2011 – 2017 should contain.

What is the City Development Plan? The Development Plan sets out a vision and an overall strategy for the proper planning and sustainable development of Dublin City over a six-year period. Basically, it sets out policies and objectives that guide the development of the city in terms of physical growth and renewal, economic, social and cultural activity, and environmental protection and enhancement.

The City Council is following an integrated or joined-up approach to developing the new Plan so that all the elements of what makes Dublin a great place to live, work and visit will be included. To do this we are looking at how the issues for the Plan will help to deliver: 1. An Economic Vision – Developing Dublin City as the heart of the Dublin region and the engine of the Irish economy with a network of thriving spatial and sectoral clusters, a focus for creative talent and creative assets.

2. A Social Vision – Developing Dublin City as a compact city with a network of sustainable neighbourhoods which have a range of facilities and a choice of tenure and house types, promoting social inclusion and integration of all ethnic communities. 3. A Cultural Vision – Making provision for cultural facilities throughout the city and promoting awareness of our cultural heritage and promoting safe and active streets through design of buildings and the public realm. 4.

An Urban Form and Spatial Vision – Creating a connected and legible city based on active streets and quality public spaces with a distinctive sense of place.

5.

A Movement Vision – Helping to build an integrated transport network and encouraging the provision of greater choice of transport. Planning and zoning objectives will be brought together to increase the opportunities to live and work close to transport hubs and corridors

6.

A Sustainable Vision – Providing for an overall framework involving key principles, strategies and objectives to drive a vision of 'Sustainable Dublin' over the next 20 years, making sure that buildings can adapt to changing needs and encouraging better waste management strategies.

International, National & Regional Dimension

The current Development Plan sets out the framework for the growth of the city in line with the high-level policies of the National Development Plan, the National Spatial Strategy and the Regional Planning Guidelines for the Greater Dublin Area. In keeping with these plans, the current strategy for Dublin supports the consolidation of the city by making the best use of land, and integrating land-use and transport. The Plan seeks to meet the needs of the city, the wider region and the State as a whole. As the Capital City, it is vital that Dublin continues to grow and operate on an international scale while at the same time providing for the needs of its residents, workers and visitors alike. While the Regional Planning Guidelines support the National Spatial Strategy, the development surge which resulted from our recent long period of economic success has put pressure on infrastructure, created unsustainable commuting patterns and led to a wearing away in the quality of the natural environment in some areas. In addition the built-up area of Dublin City has now extended to the entire City Boundary including north, west & south, and this trend is likely to continue e.g. at Naas Road. Therefore there is an increasing need for co-operation

Your City, Your Say

between local authorities in the City Region. There is also a growing sense that Dublin should be more strongly promoted as a city region. A consolidating city region, with some two million people by 2020, is more likely to be able to compete and work with city regions outside Ireland for investment, jobs, tourism etc., provided the Dublin City Region is developed as a sustainable metropolitan area with quality of life as its core value.

International Dimension At an international level Dublin operates in a globalised world economy where city regions play an increasingly important role. These city regions compete not only on economic grounds, but also across the environmental, social and cultural spectrum. Quality of life in Dublin is a key factor that makes the City attractive for foreign investment. In addition, international benchmarking is now a standard way to compare cities and it is critical that Dublin develops strong citywide strategies to maintain and build on our international status. We also need to build partnerships between other global city regions.

National Dimension The National Spatial Strategy is a 20year framework for balanced regional development across Ireland. The Strategy recognises the important role that Dublin plays in the economic life of the region and country. The Strategy recognises too that successful European capitals have a key role in promoting the interests of the country in an international arena.

The National Development Plan recognises the unique role of the capital as a national gateway and sees the implementation of Transport 21 as part of the sustainable consolidation of the City by integrating transport and land use. The National Spatial Strategy also supports quality consolidation and the need to develop the national roles of Dublin Airport and the Trans European Road Network, all of which are necessary parts of Dublin as our national hub.

Regional Dimension The Regional Planning Guidelines for the Greater Dublin Area 2004 include a strong vision for Dublin as a major European centre, competing and collaborating as a city region internationally.

The Settlement Strategy in the Guidelines sets out a clear hierarchy with the metropolitan area as its core. The City forms the central part of this metropolitan area. The main vision for the metropolitan area is one of a compact, sustainable city, supported by a much enhanced public transport system and community infrastructure. Nevertheless, the recent economic boom has put pressure on this infrastructure, leading to unsustainable urban sprawl. The Regional Dimension for Dublin tends to be focused on transport and population. Other cities have wider portfolios in relation to the economy, multi-centred specialisms, green infrastructure, city branding and cross sectoral alliances / governance.

International, National and Regional Dimension: The Big Picture Questions How can we further develop collaborative city networks (e.g. with our twin cities, such as San Jose) to facilitate information exchange and encourage partnership in projects? How can we build a concensus to brand and promote the Dublin City Region internationally? What can be done in the next Development Plan to support and develop a creative alliance of sectors in Dublin, including the educational and research sectors? For example, is there a need for an international school? How can the Development Plan achieve economies of scale to make sure it remains a major Global and European Centre, while still serving the needs of the city region and the country as a whole? How can we maintain Dublin as the national gateway for the country as a whole and internationally (through its airport, port and emerging Transport 21 Network)? What collaborative mechanisms can be put in place across the region to support environmentally sustainable programmes (water supply, wastewater management, transport and waste management)? What further arrangements should be put in place between statutory agencies to manage the structure and form of a consolidating Metropolitan area e.g. along the major transport radial routes? How can open spaces and green links in the Region be more strongly developed and managed? (such as river valley, canals, parks) What can be done to tackle the problem of unsustainable urban sprawl?

What do you think? Have we left out any of The Big Picture issues? We want to hear your views…

Your City, Your Say

Sustainable Dublin

Dublin City Council is taking a sustainable approach to achieving its vision of a vibrant, healthy, clean, safe, green and inclusive city. This approach involves developing a compact city, with intensification of mixed-use development built around a wellorganised and developed public transport system. It is a vision of a city where, in the future, all residents will be within walking distance of local services and public transport. An environment that supports the wellbeing of the City's citizens is becoming an important factor in economic success. Sustainability is both a global and local concern. As a growing amount of the world's population live in urban environments, the responsibility is on cities to plan growth in ways that make better use of key resources such as land, buildings and construction materials, water, energy and waste. In short, Dublin needs to consume less and recycle more. The City Council has been active in promoting a sustainable environment since the adoption of the last Development Plan. In 2007, the City Council developed a process through which the City Council follows the principles of sustainability.

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The process uses a four-step approach: creating awareness; conducting analysis; developing a vision of a 'Sustainable Dublin' in 2020 and implementing the vision.

Climate Change It is crucial that the City Council, through the Development Plan, responds to climate change by making sure that new developments are designed to lessen and adapt to the effects of climate change. The first priority is to reduce green house gas emissions, primarily carbon dioxide, which contributes to global warming. A major opportunity is to focus on integrating land use and public transport as a key strategy in sustainable energy use; the best location for new residential developments is next to public transport. The City Council has already made a lot of progress in this area: ü Adopted a Climate Change Policy for Dublin City (May 2008) ü Commissioned a feasibility study and mapping of District Heating Networks in the city ü Adopted the Biodiversity Action Plan, 2008-2012 ü Adopted policies for improving energy efficiency and use of renewable energy sources ü Produced a Draft Action Plan on Energy for Dublin (October 2008) ü Uses Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems to remove pollutants and control surface w a t e r r u n - o ff f r o m n e w developments

But more needs to be done. For example climate change brings with it the challenge of flood management, due to extremes of weather and increased flood risk and the challenge of supplying drinking water, particularly during periods of drought. We need to come up with solutions to make the most of new technologies and natural resource management techniques.

Sustainable Dublin: The Big Picture Questions How can we make better use of key resources of land, buildings, materials, water and energy for the future sustainable development of the city? What should be included in a sustainability checklist for all new development and in all plans? Is the usage of renewable energy sources feasible in City Centre locations and, if so, how? How do we encourage use of the District Heating Network and get commercial development to use Combined Heat and Power systems? How do we protect and increase ecological habitats and identify possibilities to create new linked habitats, especially, on open spaces along rivers, canals and the coast and on institutional lands? How can the Council encourage the control and conservation of water, for example, the use of green roofs, semi permeable paving and rainwater harvesting, and is there implications for the built environment? What development policies would protect the City from the risk of flooding, especially in high-risk areas? Given the downturn in the Irish economy, how can the development sector afford the additional costs in providing for sustainable infrastructure – can / should the cost be borne by the consumer i.e. house purchaser?

Climate Change Strategy Engery Transport 26%

Commercial 37%

Planning Residential 37%

Transport

Could Dublin take the lead in promoting Environmental Green Industries?

Waste Management

Should we encourage more sustainable development by linking such development (including Building Energy Rating) to tax incentives?

Biodiversity

What do you think? Have we left out any of The Big Picture issues? We want to hear your views…

Your City, Your Say

Urban Form and Spatial Structure

The spatial structure of Dublin is provided by both its natural and manmade features. The river Liffey, together with the area between the canals, containing both the old city and the world famous Georgian Squares, all help to convey the city's strong character and identity. The basic building blocks of this unique urban character consist of individual buildings, streets, urban spaces and neighbourhoods. At all levels it is important to foster character and coherent patterns of urban structure, to make the city more legible and create a sense of place. The existing Development Plan strategy for the spatial structure of the city has three key elements: Expanding the city centre eastwards to the Docklands and westwards to Heuston Developing 'Prime Urban Centres' as sustainable hubs in the suburbs e.g. North Fringe, Ballymun, Crumlin and Rathmines Making new “developing areas/regeneration areas, such as Pelletstown, Digital Hub and Poolbeg

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Urban Form & Density One of the main objectives of the current Development Plan is to create a sustainable compact city with good public transport, less reliance on cars and a sustainable mix of services e.g. schools, libraries, shops, parks for each neighbourhood. Dublin is recognised as a relatively low density city compared to many European cities, although there are a growing number of good examples of quality higher density accommodation being provided (e.g. the new Ballymun, St. Anne's, Milltown and at York Street in the city centre)

A Coherent, Connected City The city centre contains new clusters of development such as at Docklands, Temple Bar, and Heuston. Others are emerging, including the DIT at Grangegorman and the Digital Hub. In addition, a number of new civic spaces have been created for example, the GPO plaza on O'Connell Street, Smithfield and at the City Hall. The City Council aims to link these clusters and spaces so that people can find their way around the city and experience Dublin's unique character and atmosphere.

Urban Design / Architecture Urban design is essentially a tool to assist in the craft of creating quality urban spaces; it is about how buildings are put together to shape and enliven our streets and civic spaces. Good urban design supports the economic, social, cultural and sustainability goals of the city.

Architecture, if done properly contributes to the quality of urban life, civic pride and city identity. Good architecture recognises that most buildings work quietly as a backdrop to the city and in turn allows the city to be distinctive.

Urban Public Space Public space is fundamental to city living and quality of life. Being able to take part, as individuals and communities, in our public spaces is an affirmation of democracy, tolerance and the enjoyment of urban life. Dublin has in the last decade seen the growth of a promising recent network of public space from Meeting House Square, City Hall, the Liffey Boardwalk and Grand Canal Dock.

The Suburbs Dublin's built-up area is now extending out to the city boundaries, with new communities at the North Fringe, Pelletstown and Park West. The challenge here is to ensure that these areas are integrated into the structure of the city. The strategy in the current City Development Plan is to promote a 4-tier hierarchy of suburban centres: st

1 Tier Prime Urban Centres 2nd Tier District Centres 3rd Tier Village / High Street Centres th 4 Tier Neighbourhood Centres

The suburbs also contain some large tracts of industrial lands, which have relatively low employment provision e.g. at Naas Road and Clonshaugh.

Urban Form and Spatial Structure: The Big Picture Questions A City of Neighbourhoods Dublin City Development Boards “City of Neighbourhoods” Strategy 20022012, aims to promote a hierarchy of good neighbourhoods in all areas of the city. There are many definitions of what constitutes a good urban neighbourhood. The National Economic and Social Council Report 2004 states that they should have a mix of uses, include all generations, provide for a balanced work / life and be safe and clean. The Bristol Accord 2005, suggests that a sustainable neighbourhood should be inclusive, well designed, thriving and tolerant.

How can the Development Plan enhance Dublin's uniqueness in this era of globalisation? How can the Development Plan help integrate regeneration areas into a more coherent urban structure? How can the urban structure facilitate the most sustainable patterns of settlement and employment? How can a tall building policy provide more certainty for investors and the public? How can we achieve sustainable densities which will enhance the urban structure of Dublin and create a place where people will want to live / work? How can we create safe and pleasant linkages between different parts of the city?

Tall Buildings as part of the City's Urban Structure

How should we design and manage successful streets? Have our recent streets e.g. Cows Lane, Ballymun High Street been successful?

Although Dublin remains predominantly a low-rise city, it contains a number of taller buildings such as Liberty Hall and the Alto Vero building at Grand Canal Dock. In previous centuries church spires and domes punctuated the city skyline. The current Development Plan protects the historic city centre including the Georgian Squares while providing for height in certain locations to promote investment and city identity. However this policy appears to have resulted in lack of clarity for both developers and the general public.

How can we retain the urban grain and texture, given global trends for larger floorplates? How can contemporary architecture match the quality and longevity of earlier periods? Should the Development Plan set out principles for good architecture? How can we develop public spaces for a variety of events, markets entertainment, relaxation etc.? How can spaces be designed and managed so that they are safe and clean? How can the Development Plan enliven the existing Prime Urban Centres (PUC's) of Finglas, Ballymun, North Fringe, Northside, Phibsborough, Rathmines, Crumlin Shopping and Ballyfermot? Is there a need for new PUCs? How can the Development Plan ensure create good, sustainable neighbourhoods with a distinct identities and strong community pride? How can a tall building policy add to the identity and structure of the city in a coherent way, without compromising the existing historic urban forum and heritage?

What do you think? Have we left out any of The Big Picture issues? We want to hear your views…

Your City, Your Say

Population and Housing Strategy It is essential that Dublin City can provide quality housing in sustainable neighbourhoods to meet the future needs of all members of the community. The population of Dublin City is c.506,000 and grew by 2.1% (or 10,430 people) between 2002 and 2006. Most of this growth happened within the Inner City where the population has, in fact, increased by nearly 50% over the last 15 years. By contrast, parts of the older suburbs are experiencing a decline in population.

Our Future Population The Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government has carried out a review of the population forecasted in the National Spatial Strategy 2002 and made a new projection that the population of the State would be 5.33 million by 2020. Based on this national figure, the Department developed a regional target of 2.1 million people living in the Greater Dublin Area by 2020. The Regional Planning Guidelines revised housing projections indicate that Dublin City should plan to create 5,120 new homes each year to 2016. The ability to accurately forecast the future population of Dublin City is difficult due to the recent slowdown in inward migration coupled with a decline in housing construction.

Your City, Your Say

Building New Homes

Housing Needs and Vacancy

Approximately 7,000 homes have been completed in Dublin City each year for the last three years. However this level of construction has reduced in recent times due to the economic downturn.

The 2006 Census indicates that the average household size in Dublin City is falling and that the number of oneperson households is rising steadily. One in five people in Dublin City are over 55 years of age. Younger people aged under 35 are more likely to live in the Inner City. Approximately 15% of Dublin City's residents are non-Irish nationals and the majority live in rented accommodation. The 2006 Census also indicated that there are approximately 26,000 vacant residential units in Dublin City.

It is estimated that there are 480 hectares (1,186 acres) of zoned land in Dublin City that could be developed for residential use. However, only a portion of this land will be available for development at any given time. Dublin City Council adopted a variation to the current Development Plan in 2007 to a c h i e v e l a r g e r, b e t t e r q u a l i t y apartments to encourage families to live in the city and has brought in new policy to deal with the management of apartment developments. Dublin City Council reserves 20% of all new private residential developments for social and affordable housing, under planning legislation. Since 2004, Dublin City Council has secured 958 affordable and 380 social housing units by using this mechanism. The economic downturn will however, have a significant impact on the amount of social and affordable housing being produced in this way.

The City has been making significant progress in building new residential neighbourhoods over the past 3 years including the North Fringe (9,000 new homes proposed), Pelletstown (2,800 new homes built), Ballymun (2,000 new homes built), and Park West (1,200 new homes built).

Housing Regeneration To meet the challenge of creating balanced and sustainable communities in the City, the next Development Plan must support the Housing Regeneration programme to make sure that regenerated areas have a mix of housing type, size and tenure together with a sustainable range of community services, employment and public transport.

Housing for All Dublin City has done a lot to improve living standards in terms of apartment quality and management but we need to do more to attract families to live in the City. To encourage diversity in the City, new housing developments should to be designed to cater for the needs of all sectors in terms of age, disability, economic situation and ethnic grouping.

Population Pyramid Dublin City 2006

Population Housing And Strategy: The Big Picture Questions What is the best way of meeting the housing needs of Dublin City given that there is a limit to land availability within the City boundary? Is Dublin City achieving its objective to provide quality housing located in balanced sustainable communities? Where and how should social and affordable housing be provided within the City? How should the next Development Plan react to the changing demography of the City in terms of household size and other indicators? What policies should be included to address the high level of vacant residential units? What needs to be done to further enhance apartment living to ensure compact city, which is attractive to all sectors and lifestyles? How can the housing needs of all groups in our city be adequately catered for e.g. disabled, students, older people, homeless etc?

What do you think? Have we left out any of The Big Picture issues? We want to hear your views…

Your City, Your Say

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Economic Development and Employment

Planning and development policies are becoming more and more important for economic development, employment growth and prosperity. With unprecedented public and private investment planned for Dublin, the city has the opportunity to become a worldclass city, depending on the policies and approaches adopted and actions taken. The review of the Development Plan is therefore most timely. There is an urgent need to make the most of public benefits arising from the unprecedented level of public investment in recent years. For example encouraging high densities and mixed uses that allow employment and housing to be located together will make best use of public transport infrastructure.

The need for planning to take economic issues into account and to be responsive to changing economic circumstances is essential for Dublin's future growth and prosperity.

Dublin A Global City Dublin is the capital of one of the most globalised economies in the world and competes internationally to attract and retain highly mobile investment and key skilled workers. It is the engine of the national economy.

In order to maintain the City's economic position we need to address the challenges of global competitiveness. The economic role of the City Centre and other sustainable centres in the City needs to be promoted in the Development Plan.

Economic Growth Economic growth in each year since the current City Development Plan was adopted has averaged 4.7%. However the rapid and dramatically changed economic environment in 2008, both domestically and internationally, highlights a challenge in reviewing a six year Development Plan. We need to look at policies that are able to respond to changing economic circumstances.

Agglomeration Economies

A Safe, Clean Green City

Broadband Telecommunications

A 'clean, green and safe' urban environment is now seen to be part of our economic infrastructure and is important for promoting the city. A safe and attractive city is a major consideration for businesses when deciding where to locate.

Urban Regeneration The challenges and opportunities of the regeneration of extensive areas of the city is another key issue both for economic growth and competitiveness, and social equity reasons. How we respond to the need for regeneration and the approach we take is of vital importance to the city.

The Knowledge & Creative Economy, including Enterprise There is a continuing move towards the knowledge and creative

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economy, where internationally traded business, creative and financial services will increasingly be the engine of economic growth. It is likely that these jobs will be concentrated in large urban centres, presenting a great opportunity for Dublin and an increasing national economic role.

The benefits resulting from having a high density of economic activities and people in an area are well recognised. There is a need to move towards more dense development if good value is to be obtained from the huge investment in public infrastructure and if the benefits of businesses specialisms locating in clusters are to be realised.

The availability of advanced telecommunications services is an essential part of sustainable development in the City and is essential infrastructure in meeting the demands of global economics. To maintain Dublin's economic position, broadband telecommunications must be upgraded to next generation networks.

Economic development And Employment: The Big Picture Questions Retail Retail in Dublin is facing significant local, regional and international challenges and opportunities. The Retail Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area (GDA) 2008-2016 reconfirms the role of Dublin City centre as the prime retail centre for the region. Retailing on the northside of the city centre is expected to greatly improve with some significant developments proposed. The challenge for the south inner city is to develop large floorplates on suitable sites without compromising the prestige and character of Grafton Street. The challenge for outer areas is to bring the retail offer up to contemporary requirements.

Tourism Tourism is facing challenges and opportunities including competition from other cities internationally. There is a need to continually improve the city's attractions and the opening of the Convention Centre in 2010 will be a significant boost. Providing a broader range of hotel accommodation and spreading the benefits of tourism across the entire city are other important issues facing the City' tourism industry.

How do we ensure economic growth in the future will deliver an increased quality of life for people living and working in the city? How can the Development Plan enable Dublin retain its competitiveness in an increasingly global economy? ·

How can planning policies be adaptable and agile in quickly responding to new challenges and opportunities, while promoting sufficient certainty of land use to encourage long-term investment? How can greater collaboration between the leaders of Dublin's Business, University and City Administration sectors be supported toward progressing a vision of Dublin's future growth? How can urban regeneration approaches be changed to facilitate transition of disadvantaged areas into sustainable neighbourhoods? How can Dublin's industrial lands be better used for clustering economic activity? How can the Development Plan promote a range of start-ups/ incubators in commercial schemes so that businesses can grow locally? How can the Development Plan better foster entrepreneurial activity? How can the Development Plan maximise economies specialising in different types of employment, e.g. green technology, financial services, digital media, creative industries and biotechnology? How can high-speed broadband be provided & promoted across the city? How can the Development Plan better distribute the benefits of strong tourism across the city? Can the City Centre develop into a world-class shopping destination? How can the retail experience in city suburban areas be more competitive and offer more choice for the consumer and contribute to sustainable centres which complement the city centre? How can the necessary movement of goods and services within Dublin City be balanced with the need for a competitive city? Is the quality of office accommodation in Dublin city adequate?

What do you think? Have we left out any of The Big Picture issues?

We want to hear your views…

Your City, Your Say

Movement and Transport

The vision for transport in the current Dublin City Development Plan is to promote the integration of landuse and transport so that as much movement as possible is accommodated by high quality public transport, by walking and by cycling. The basics of the Plan remain robust, but with car ownership levels continuing to rise and with increasing concerns about the environmental impacts of the transportation sector, the need to actively promote and give priority to sustainable transport is even more urgent. The transportation policies and objectives of the new City Development Plan will continue to be guided by the Dublin Transportation Office (DTO) strategy document 'A Platform for Change 20002016'. This strategy sets out an integrated transportation strategy for the Greater Dublin Area and promotes greater use of public transport as well as public transport improvements. The DTO has started to review and update 'A Platform for Change'. This will be published by 2010, before the new City Development Plan is adopted. Any major changes in policy by the Dublin Transportation Office will have to be reflected in the new City Development Plan.

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Car ownership has been steadily increasing, as has the demand for travel and the movement of goods. The city's road network is at full capacity and there is no more room for additional cars on the city's roads. The challenge for the next Plan is to meet the growing demand for travel by sustainable forms of transport other than the private car, i.e. by public transport, walking and cycling. The biggest challenges facing us in keeping the city moving are set out below.

Integrating Landuse and Transportation The integration of landuse and transportation has a key role to play in delivering social, economic and environmental s u s t a i n a b i l i t y. T h e c u r r e n t C i t y Development Plan has a policy of encouraging high density development along transport corridors. Parking policies aim to limit car parking at destination points while the need to travel generally is reduced by designing mixed-use developments where people live close to where they work, shop and socialize. The challenge is to refine current landuse and transportation policy so that all new development is as sustainable as possible.

Sustainable Spatial Strategy For the first time, the provision of a fully integrated public transport system for the Dublin area is possible. Transport 21, the Government's blueprint for the Dublin public transport system, gives a real opportunity to achieve more sustainable densities.The challenge for the Development Plan is to develop a spatial strategy based on the most accessible areas of the city.

Regional Dimension The traffic that passes through the city area cannot be considered in isolation because trips begin, not only within the city, but also throughout the Greater Dublin Area. The DTO's new strategy will identify areas that are most accessible within the region and that are the most appropriate locations for more intense development. It might also give the goahead for the different local authorities within the region to jointly prepare plans for development areas that straddle county boundaries.

Future of the City Centre The City Centre is the most accessible area of the City for public transport infrastructure. It is therefore the most appropriate area to consolidate as intensification here can be accommodated in a sustainable manner.

The major challenge is how best to manage access to and movement within the city, particularly with the significantly increased numbers of people likely to live, work and study etc. within the canals.

Mobility Management as an Approach Mobility Management is an approach used to reduce demand for and use of cars by making other forms of transport more attractive and practical.Mobility Management has the potential to play a much stronger role in the new Development Plan so as to encourage and support more sustainable travel patterns.

Public Transport

Car Parking

The provision of a well functioning, integrated public transport system is key to providing a true alternative to private car use in the city. Transport 21 projects such as the Metro North, the proposed rail i n t e r c o n n e c t o r, b u s i n v e s t m e n t programme and further Luas line construction will result in a fully integrated public transport system for Dublin. However there are some outstanding issues that need to be addressed for example, public transport integration, bus priority measures, and coordination of transport agencies.

Car parking is an essential element of overall landuse and transportation policy within the city. Current Development Plan policy is to restrict car parking, particularly in areas with good public transport links, for example there is a restriction on the amount of car parking allowed in developments within the City Centre. In working towards better integration of landuse and transport, a review of the existing car parking standards will be essential. There are many practical issues that will arise in such a review, i.e. ensuring adequate car parking provision while encouraging a changeover to other forms of transport.

Cycling Significant progress has been made in providing infrastructure for cycling in the City since the current Development Plan was adopted. The challenge for the next Plan is to identify what initiatives can be taken that would motivate greater numbers of people to cycle in the City, especially to work and education.

Walking The quality of the pedestrian experience is key to how people perceive and enjoy the City Centre, and is an important factor in the economic and social life of the wider city. There is likely to be increasing pressure on the use of footpaths and the public realm (i.e. public places and spaces) as more and more people will use public transport once the Transport 21 projects are delivered.

Environmental Considerations Increasingly, there is a greater awareness of the potential negative impacts of the transport sector on the environment, both in terms of local air and noise pollution and the effects of CO2 emissions. The challenge is to encourage people out of the car and on to more sustainable forms of transport.

Movement and Transport:The Big Picture Questions How can the Development Plan make sure that there is better coordination between landuse and transportation facilities in order to achieve more sustainable development? What areas of the city would benefit from greater access to transport (public & private)? How can the Development Plan support and facilitate timely and reliable links between the city and Dublin Airport? How can the city's limited road space accommodate the needs of public transport, pedestrians, cyclists and the private car? How can the existing policies in relation to mobility management be strengthened and expanded in the next Plan to encourage and support more sustainable travel patterns? How can strategic coordination and cooperation between the various agencies providing public transport in the city be improved, particularly in the context of the long lead-time until delivery of Transport 21 projects, including the proposed Dublin Transport Authority? How can we motivate greater numbers of people to cycle, walk or use public transport? What measures are needed to create a safe, good quality and attractive streets for people to move around, socialise and to do business? Are car parking standards (i.e. residential, retail, office, etc.) in the current Development Plan appropriate and adequate? If not what standards should be introduced? What role has the national road network and other road infrastructure to play in delivering sustainable consolidation within the Dublin City Region? How can we satisfactorily accommodate the movement of goods and services in the city? How can the city's limited road space accommodate the movement of goods and people to business premises located in the city centre? Should there be a “public transport” land use zoning?

What do you think? Have we left out any of The Big Picture issues?

We want to hear your views…

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Community Development

Successful, sustainable neighbourhoods need community facilities that are fit-for-purpose (i.e. designed for what they will be used for). These facilities range from schools, libraries, community centres, cultural spaces, health centres, facilities for the elderly, facilities for persons with disabilities, childcare facilities, parks and open spaces, places of worship etc. The timely provision of these facilities can have significant positive impacts on social inclusion, enhancing quality of life and helping to create attractive and sustainable neighbourhoods where people choose to live, work and recreate throughout their life-time. A clean, green, and safe city is another key part of building sustainable, attractive neighbourhoods.

Social Infrastructure High quality social facilities and infrastructure makes an important contribution to the attractiveness of the city and people's quality of life. It is also an important factor in attracting key skilled workers to Dublin. New developments in the city must be underpinned by sustainable social infrastructure.

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Marginalised Communities

Healthcare Facilities

Throughout the city many communities remain marginalised and deprived, evidenced by the presence of eight Community Partnership Areas in the City Council area. Unfortunately, antisocial behaviour remains a key concern for residents of some areas in the city. The City Council is mindful of the need to 'design out' crime in new developments. Furthermore, there are vulnerable areas in the city that contain an over-concentration of social support facilities, (e.g. hostels and clinics).

The provision of adequate healthcare facilities, including specialist hospitals, care services for the elderly and facilities for people with disabilities, are essential for a healthy city.

Childcare

One of the most significant changes in the City since the adoption of the last Development Plan has been the increase in ethnic populations. The City is now home to c. 75,000 persons of non-Irish nationality (15% of the City's population).

The provision of affordable, fit for purpose childcare facilities in the right locations throughout the City is still a priority.

Play Facilities Play is an extremely important part of a child's development. With 20% of Dublin City Council's population under 18 years of age it is vital that enough play facilities and play opportunities are provided in all areas of the city.

Education Facilities As Dublin City moves into a knowledgebased economy its ambitions to be a 'city of learning and knowledge' must be supported by a strong education system including the physical infrastructure of schools and colleges th from preschool right up to 4 level education facilities.

Universal Access While much has been done to improve physical access to the built and outdoor environment for people with disabilities it remains an ongoing priority for the City Council.

Integration

Community Development: The Big Picture Questions How can an adequate social infrastructure be provided to communities and how should it be designed, resourced, managed and maintained so that it remains sustainable and adequately addresses local needs? How can regeneration programmes progress and benefit Dublin City's marginalised communities? How can the Development Plan facilitate the 'designing out' of crime and anti-social behaviour in new developments in the city? How can an over-concentration of social support facilities (e.g. hostels & clinics) in some areas be addressed? How can the Development Plan facilitate the provision of affordable, appropriately designed and adequate childcare facilities in the right locations? What policies should be included in the next Development Plan to ensure the provision of quality play spaces in new developments for children an young people? How can Dublin City Council facilitate the timely provision of new educational facilities? How can the Development Plan facilitate the provision of appropriate healthcare and elderly care facilities in the city? How can we make Dublin City a universally accessible city? What policies are needed in the Development Plan to cater for the differing housing, retail, economic, religious and recreation needs of the city's diverse population?

What do you think? Have we left out any of The Big Picture issues? We want to hear your views…

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Arts and Culture

Culture is one of the main elements in a city's identity. Through its culture a city is defined and its unique place in the world illustrated. Culture is a key factor in attracting people to live, work and visit and is an essential ingredient in local place-making and quality of life for its citizens. For many generations Irish artists, especially novelists, playwrights, poets, musicians and visual artists have been instrumental in establishing our cultural identity in the world.

Dublin City Council's policies and objectives in the next Development Plan must be strong and ambitious enough to support, facilitate and encourage investment in quality cultural infrastructure in the city, allow for the development of a leading cultural capital where the cultural needs of all citizens are met and support a city which is capable of attracting talented, international workers for the city's growing economy.

Culture and Creative Economies Cultural and creative economies are major sectors in Dublin City's economy and competitiveness and are key elements in creating jobs and wealth. A major challenge for the city is to

recognise the competition from other international cities in attracting talented workers and ensure that the cultural experience of the city is as rich as that of other cities.

Cultural Facilities Dublin City would benefit from a greater range of cultural facilities such as libraries, living and working spaces for artists, galleries, exhibition space, outdoors event spaces etc. All new developments should positively contribute to the cultural life of the city.

The Spread of Cultural Activity There are smaller, discrete areas in the city that are building up as hubs of cultural activity as well as larger cultural quarters. Every effort should be made to support and expand existing and emerging clusters of culture, artistic energy, innovation and knowledge throughout the city, both in the city centre, the suburbs and particularly in regeneration areas.

Cultural Inclusion The city is now home to about 75,000 persons of non-Irish nationality. Issues that relate to the cultural needs of the City's new communities as well as its existing citizens that are currently 'culturally excluded' should be addressed. Participation in the cultural life of the city by a wider spectrum of the city's population should be encouraged.

The Irish Language

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Efforts should be made to ensure that the Irish language features more prominently in the cultural life of the city thus allowing for a richer cultural environment in the capital.

Public Art Public art can improve the attractiveness of an area by creating points of interest and a sense of place in the environment. It can add to the overall quality of life of an area, gain profile for emerging artists and raise the profile of a development.

Outdoor Festivals and Events Outdoors events and festivals have increased enormously in the last few years in the city. Such activities need to be supported by fit-for-purpose venues, supporting infrastructure and need to be well managed, financed and maintained.

Night Culture Cultural activity in the evenings and at night is a key attribute of an attractive and successful city. Dublin City Council is keen to build on the success of 'Culture Night' in the City.

Arts and Culture: The Big Picture Questions How can culture provision and promotion be used and enhanced to retain a talented and highly mobile workforce? How can the Development Plan help develop and support the growth o cultural and creative industries in the city (e.g. filmmaking, digital media)? Is it feasible that cultural infrastructure be provided 'as standard' in large developments? For example, to address the shortfall on library provision. What is the role of cultural quarters and clusters, both large and small, in the city ? Should additional clusters and quarters be encouraged? What policies could be incorporated into the Development Plan to allow for the Irish language to feature more prominently in the cultural life of the city? Are the cultural needs of the 'New Irish' different than the cultural needs of the indigenous population? If so, how can planning help in meeting such needs? How can the Development Plan serve to support the living, working exhibition needs of artists in the city, particularly emerging artists? How can planning exploit the potential of culture in urban regeneration, community planning, social inclusion and place-making? How can we facilitate the provision of multi-functional, fit-for-purpose outdoor spaces for festivals and events? How can the Development Plan encourage a vibrant 'Night Culture' (e.g. Cultural Night) in the city while also ensuring that the residential amenities of adjacent areas are protected? How can we support educational initiatives which serve to enhance the promotion and development of cultural and creative awareness and skills?

What do you think? Have we left out any of The Big Picture issues? We want to hear your views…

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Landscape And Open Space, Biodiversity And Recreation Dublin City is shaped by its major landscape features - the Phoenix Park, the Liffey, Dublin Bay and the river valleys of the Tolka and Dodder complemented by the man-made amenities and green spaces of the city squares and historic gardens, the parks, canals and waterfront promenades. All of these features contribute to the City's high quality environment. The city's 'green infrastructure' - the networks of green areas around us, the natural heritage and recreational amenities - plays a key role in creating and sustaining places, making the city an attractive place to live, benefiting health and well-being and making sure that the essential components of environmental sustainability are safeguarded. There is a new emphasis nationally and internationally on planning for and managing the city landscape at a strategic scale and as a continuous green network.

Major Challenges Rapid urbanisation and a growing population are placing increased demands on the City's open spaces. Although almost one-fifth of the city's land-area is set aside to preserve, provide and improve recreational

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amenity and open space, there are deficits in many areas, particularly the inner city. It is a major challenge to find a balance between providing for economic development while at the same time creating and enhancing urban green spaces. [is economy getting blamed for everything?]

Landscape and Open Space The City Council manages over 1,400 hectares (3,460 acres) of public open space and has started a programme of improvements for 23 parks in the city centre to make these parks accessible for all. Creating additional areas of urban green space is a priority for Dublin City Council, in both newly developing and regeneration areas. New parks are being developed or are proposed for example, at Tolka Valley Park in Pelletstown and in the Liberties.

A City Landscape Strategy The major issue for the next Development Plan is how to plan at a high level for the City's green infrastructure. An area-wide green space strategy could result in the development of a hierarchy of parks ranging from sub-regional parks down to pocket parks, and the creation of links between parks, river valleys and other amenity spaces. Such a linked network would add to recreation options and tourism infrastructure and would take pedestrians and cyclists away from busy roads.

Greening the City Existing areas and streets in the urban environment can be invigorated through greening initiatives, for example provision of green roofs and soft landscaping can create new habitats. The City Council maintains more than 60,000 street and roadside trees within the city. The quality of the city landscapes contribute to the character and visual amenities of the city.

Biodiversity Biodiversity means the variety of living things, and includes our rare plants and animals as well as the common species that show the richness of our local environment. Biodiversity provides important environmental services, reducing pollution, controlling flooding etc. Dublin City's natural heritage and biodiversity is characterised by its coastal location and access to waterways and significant green spaces. The city has EU designated sites on Dublin Bay and the Bull Island, part of the 'Natura 2000' network of protected areas. The Council has adopted and is implementing the Dublin City Biodiversity Action Plan 2008 – 2012. This Action Plan has identified many areas of high biodiversity interest and features of the landscape such as rivers, hedgerows, ponds and small woods, which are of major importance to flora and fauna.

Sport and Recreation Dublin City Council's new Sports and Active Recreation Strategy (20092016) is being developed to deliver enhanced services to encourage healthy and active living. The Council is promoting active participation for all age groups, for example the Passport for Leisure Scheme for the over 55s gives free or low-cost access to the wide range of facilities managed by the Council, including swimming pools and pitch and putt. The City Council is also a key provider of children's play facilities and is implementing its Policy on Children's Play.

Landscape and Open Space, Biodiversity and Recreation: The Big Picture Questions Should a City Landscape Strategy be developed for the next Development Plan, setting out a green network of parks, public spaces and routes? How can we find an appropriate balance between accommodating development and recreational use, heritage and biodiversity needs of the city? How can the Development Plan facilitate the provision of more publicly accessible open space and ensure that the new spaces created are located to meet deficiencies? Are current standards – both quantitative and qualitative - for public open space provision associated with new developments appropriate? How might new standards help achieve objectives for sustainable urban development? How can we provide for a greening of the city landscape and the protection of existing natural features including trees and hedgerows? What greening initiatives should be considered for the city and incorporated into new developments?

Meeting the increased demand for sports facilities is a major challenge, both in terms of resources and in finding suitable locations for new facilities.

How should the key areas and features of natural beauty or interest and the landscapes of historic value be identified and conserved?

The issue of informal recreation is also increasingly recognised as important, particularly to encourage out-of-doors activity for children and teens. There is a need to provide space for unstructured play, for casual games and for young people to hang out in our public spaces and parks.

How can the Development Plan develop ecological corridors linking green spaces to benefit nature / wildlife and movement?

How can the Development Plan identify and protect areas or sites of high biodiversity not designated in the Natura 2000 (EU designated) network?

How can we exploit the development process to maximise biodiversity opportunities? How can we make sure that the increasing demand for Sports and Leisure facilities can be met and that all new developments are addressing the Sport and Leisure needs of their communities, including new communities? How can we provide for informal recreation and play areas suitable for all ages including older persons and teenagers? How can the Development Plan bring about a national, regional and city focus in development of Sport and Leisure facilities and facilitate the development of key regional sports infrastructural projects? How can the Development Plan assist in ensuring that existing sports / recreational facilities which form part of educational establishments are made more accessible to the public outside school hours?

What do you think? Have we left out any of The Big Picture issues?

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We want to hear your views…

Conservation & Built Heritage

Our built heritage is a unique resource, an irreplaceable expression of the richness and diversity of our past. Dublin has developed over the last millennium to become a multi-layered city with a medieval core area and surviving street pattern, concentrated th th areas of 17 and 18 century streets, extensive suburban residential areas th from the 19 century, an impressive range of Georgian and Victorian public buildings, along with fine examples of th 20 Century architecture. Each stage in the city's growth has left its mark on the built form and heritage. We need to protect our heritage while at the same time promote our city's economic development. A fine balance needs to be struck to achieve both objectives.

The historic core of Dublin contains all of the major tourist attractions. Figures show that the cultural and historic places of interest are a prime reason for visiting the City so there is also a cultural and economic justification for looking after and protecting our built heritage.

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The Record of Protected Structures and Architectural Conservation Areas (ACAs) Dublin City Council has a statutory obligation to maintain a Record of Protected Structures (RPS) that gives protected status to all structures that are considered to be of special interest. There are over 9,000 buildings on the RPS for the city. A considerable number of these buildings are considered to be of Local Importance under the National Inventory of Architectural Heritage Guidelines and perhaps should not be included on the RPS. It would be an opportune time to reassess these buildings and revise the Record of Protected Structures.

There are areas of the city that are of distinct character, because of their buildings and their settings. The Planning and Development Act 2000 provides for the protection of such areas by the designation of Architectural Conservation Areas. The process of assessing and proposing new ACAs will continue into the next Plan. Simplified versions of current ACAs could be introduced as a means to alleviate current difficulties with adding and removing buildings from the RPS. This may be an effective way to rationalise the numbers on the Record particularly in areas that contain generic terraces for example late Victorian terraces.

Views and Vistas The skyline, views and vistas in the historic core of the City need strong protection but there may be appropriate locations for some carefully mannered changes to the skyline in limited areas.

Other Conservation Issues The Georgian Squares are unique to Dublin and it is considered that the northern squares are particularly sensitive to development more so than the southern squares. In particular Parnell Square and Mountjoy Square need specific development policies to balance conservation and regeneration in light of the impact of Metro North and the opportunity to reuse vacant/derelict buildings.

'New' 20th century architecture has to date not been the subject of coordinated study and debate. How we should undertake such a study should be considered in the new development plan.

Heritage Dublin City Council is preparing a new Heritage Plan which is due for completion in 2009. The Heritage Plan will be a concise, focused action plan, providing a delivery mechanism for the policies and objectives included in the City Development Plan.

Archaeology Dublin City is rich in archaeological heritage. Archaeological research has been commissioned to bring about a better understanding of Dublin's Medieval City. This study has highlighted the need for the protection of important ecclesiastical sites of International significance e.g. St Mary's Abbey, St. Thomas's Abbey and urban landscapes of international heritage importance e.g. Guinness's Brewery Complex, and the Historic Water Supply. Other studies have included the City Walls Conservation Plan and the Ship Street Research Agenda and recommendations from these can be translated into the new Development Plan.

A key issue for the period of the next Development Plan is recording and conserving Dublin's unique industrial heritage. The network of Dublin's churches and graveyards represents an important aspect of the city's th character. In the late 20 century Dublin City Council acquired many deconsecrated churches and graveyards and these have been maintained and managed as public parks. Some of these are used as pocket parks resulting in the removal of monuments from their contexts, while many have suffered from vandalism and anti-social behaviour or have been landscaped inappropriately, resulting in further heritage loss.

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Conservation and Built Heritage: The Big Picture Questions Should the Development Plan designate more ACAs as a means of rationalising the number of structures on the RPS? What policies should the Development Plan contain to protect Views and Prospects within the City? Should we develop a policy of public access to ground floor 18th century town houses? What policies should the Development Plan include to promote sustainable conservation of heritage buildings or their curtilage? How can we promote the status of our Georgian Squares to increase their historic, cultural and economic potential? What policies should the Development Plan contain to protect our Industrial Heritage? Should we introduce a new zoning for historic open spaces, for example graveyards? What, if any, policies should the Development Plan include to protect important ecclesiastical sites in the city?

What do you think? Have we left out any of The Big Picture issues? We want to hear your views…

Sustainable Infrastructure

Providing water, drainage, wastewater & waste management infrastructure is fundamental to achieving a clean and sustainable city.

Water Supply Drinking water supply for the population of the Greater Dublin Area is provided from water treatment plants operated by Dublin City Council and Fingal County Council. Supply and demand for quality drinking water is very finely balanced. Demand will continue to increase to 2020. Without a new longterm source of water supply increased demand will not be met.

The City Council is committed to dealing with water supply and water conservation in Dublin and a number of projects, for example the extension to t h e B a l l y m o r e E u s t a c e Wa t e r Treatment Plant, reducing water leakage and introducing more effective water bye laws, are underway. Studies to identify a major new water supply source to meet demand in the long-term are in also underway with the options of either using a desalination process to treat water from Dublin Bay or bringing water from the river Shannon being closely examined.

Water Ecosystems The European Union Water Framework Directive aims to make sure that all

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natural waters achieve “good ecological status” by 2015. This is done by providing a new way of managing water resources and their ecosystems. The environmental objectives and the measures needed to achieve them will be set out in the River Basin Management Plan for the Eastern River Basin District (ERBD). The agreed plan will be published in 2009.

treatment for the treatment of residual wastes and, by doing so, minimize the use of landfills for disposing of our waste. By 2013, we should be recycling 59% of our waste, sending 25% to thermal treatment plants and sending 16% to landfills. While there is progress in achieving the recycling target, there is an over-reliance on landfill within the region for most of our waste.

Drainage and Waste Water

Air Quality and Noise Pollution

The Dublin Bay Wastewater Treatment Project has succeeded in meeting its environmental targets, as well as making progress in creating new recycling by-products such as fertiliser that is now used in south Leinster. However, problems with the capacity of our infrastructure to treat wastewater created by our growing population will continue into the future. Even with the planned upgrade of the Ringsend Waste Water Treatment Plant, maximum capacity will be exceeded by 2014. The Greater Dublin Strategic Drainage Study identified the need for an additional treatment plant and an orbital sewer to be located in North Dublin. Deciding on the location of the plant and the route of the Orbital Sewer is of great importance so that the land needed can be reserved.

Waste Management While prevention and minimization remain a priority for the City Council, the strategy in the Waste Management Plan for the Dublin Region aims to deliver maximum recycling, use thermal

Dublin City Council and the other Local Authorities in the Dublin Region are updating the Dublin Regional Air Quality Management Plan which will address air quality issues, including emissions from the transport sector. Noise pollution has become an important issue, as it affects the quality of life and has health impacts. Dublin City Council and the other Dublin Authorities are preparing a Noise Action Plan which aims to identify and manage sources of noise in the region.

Shared issues All of the issues facing the environment have a regional as well as a local impact. We need greater co-ordination with the other planning authorities in the Greater Dublin Region to deal with the shared issues we must deal with.

Sustainable Infrastructure: The Big Picture Questions How can we secure the necessary land, plant and underground corridors for major utility infrastructure, including water supply and drainage in a compact city to facilitate its growth and wellbeing? How can we change the behaviour of householders towards their use of water by, for example, promoting and encouraging water conservation, rainwater harvesting and provision of green roofs and semi permeable paving?

Most Favoured Option Prevention Minimisation Reuse

How do we progress the provision of a new wastewater treatment plant and orbital sewer? How can we encourage sustainability by promoting the reuse of building materials, recycling of demolition materials, use of materials from renewable sources, and use of low embodied energy and low toxic materials? Should the Development Plan identify and locate recycling facilities for waste sorting? How can we protect residents from noise from uses, such as traffic, shops, offices, (air conditioning units) and nighttime uses whilst developing a compact city? How can new technologies be used as a power source in transport?

Should new commercial developments be required to provide publicly accessible waste recycling facilities/bring centres? Should the providers of private waste management services also provide a comprehensive range of public recycling services?

What do you think? Have we left out any of The Big Picture issues? We want to hear your views…

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Recycling Energy Recovery Disposal

Least Favoured Option

Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA)

Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) is the process by which environmental considerations are required to be fully integrated into the preparation and adoption of the city development plan. The SEA involves assessment of the likely significant environmental effects of the plan prior to it being adopted. It provides for strategic environmental consideration at an early stage in the decision making process.

The objective of the SEA process is to provide for a high level of protection of the environment and to contribute to the integration of environmental considerations into the preparation and adoption of the plan with a view to promoting sustainable development. It is carried out in parallel with the review of the Development Plan and can help inform and influence decision-making at each stage in the review process.

How can you participate in this process? The process involves the preparation of an Environmental Report where the likely significant environmental effects are identified and evaluated. This will be available and a public consultation on it with the general public and the Environmental Authorities also takes place at this time.

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The Environmental Report, and opinions expressed by the Environmental Authorities and the public, must be taken into account during the preparation of the Plan prior to it being adopted. Once submissions are reviewed, a decision must be made on whether any of the predictions regarding significant environmental effects need to be revised, and whether any of the proposed policies should be amended. The required contents of an Environmental Report are set out in Appendix 2B of the Planning and Development (SEA) Regulations, 2004 and will include: The contents and main objectives of the Draft Plan and an assessment of alternatives. Environmental baseline data detailing the current state of the environment. The significant environmental issues and vulnerabilities facing the County.

The Council's broad Environmental Protection Objectives. The likely significant effects on the environment of implementing the Draft Plan

Measures to prevent or reduce any significant adverse effects. Measures for monitoring the significant environmental effects of implementing the plan, including appropriate indicators to be used.

A non-technical summary.

If it is proposed to amend the Draft Plan the likely significant effects on the environment of implementing these amendments will also be made available and these will be subjected to the SEA process.

Appendix 1: Development Plan timetable

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Appendix 2: Development Plan Mandatory Requirements.

The control of establishments under the E.U. Major Accidents Directive;

The following objectives must be included in a development plan:

The provision of community services including schools, crèches and other education and childcare facilities.

The zoning of land; The provision of infrastructure including transport, energy, communication facilities, water supplies, waste recovery and disposal facilities; The conservation and protection of the environment; The integration of the planning and sustainable development with the social, community and cultural requirements of the area and its population; The preservation of the character of the landscape and of architectural conservation areas; The protection of structures of special architectural, historical, archaeological, artistic, cultural, scientific, social or technical interest; The preservation of the character of Architectural Conservation Areas; The development and renewal of areas in need of regeneration; The provision of accommodation for travellers; The preservation, improvement and extension of recreational amenities;

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In addition, the First Schedule of the Planning and Development Act, 2000 sets out a wide range of other objectives which may be included in a development, plan. These objectives relate to the following areas: Location and pattern of development, Control of areas and structures, Community facilities, Environment and amenities, Infrastructure and transport.

NOTE: This does not purport to be a legal interpretation. For full details see Section 10 and the First Schedule of the Planning and Development Act, 2000.

We want to hear what you think about the City. How has it changed since the last Development Plan was adopted in 2005? What do you think the Big Picture Issues facing the City up to 2017 are going to be? Send your views on the questions posed in this Issues Paper or on any Big Picture Issues you think we may have left out to: Development Plan Team Planning Secretariat Planning & Economic Development Department Block 4, Floor 3 Civic Offices Woodquay Dublin 8 or to [email protected] On or before 4.30pm Wednesday, 18th March, 2009 Updates on the new Development Plan will be regularly available at www.dublincity.ie

Please check in often and keep letting us know what you think!

Selection of photographs supplied by Dublin City Council Photographer

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