Three Dublin Mid West FG Councillors abstained from approving the amended version of the Clonburris SDZ. Cllrs Vicki Casserly, Kenneth Egan and Emer Higgins confirmed that they supported the need to develop almost 7,000 homes in Clonburris over 20 years, but voiced concerns around the sustainability of the plan from planning and transport infrastructure perspectives. They successfully passed a number of amendments around the need to link the delivery of the development to transport improvements including the opening of Kishogue Railway Station, a reduction in the overall size of the development, the inclusion of additional green space and the inclusion of a thorough approvals process for the potential opening of cul de sacs in some estates in Lucan and Clondalkin.
FG Councillors voted with Fianna Fail, the Mayor and the independent alliance on a motion that sought to ensure social and affordable housing was delivered in line with government policy. The vote was not carried and instead SF and Labour voted to increase the number of social units within the development to treble the national statutory minimum.
“I don’t believe the plan that was adopted last night is perfect; but I am happy that we’ve another phase of public consultation now and that Councillors can make more amendments before it’s finalised. I’d like to see more changes around planning mix and transport improvements,” said Cllr. Emer Higgins.
“Its been a really long week but a very worthwhile process and it’s particularly positive to have had so many residents on the journey with us, watching from the gallery. I know lots of people put in submissions on the SDZ and I’m pleased to have brought the spirit of many of those submissions to the Council chamber, and be there to debate them and affect change,” said Cllr. Vicki Casserly.
“Its been a long few days for us Councillors but even longer for staff and they’ve done Trojan work during this whole process,” said Cllr. Kenneth Egan.
“Now it’s over to the public to have their say on the changes Councillors voted through. Those changes will go out to consultation in a couple of weeks time and Councillors will be back revisiting the plan in about 8-10 weeks time,” concluded Cllr. Emer Higgins.
