Proposed Variation No. 1 Fingal Development Plan 2023 – 2029.
PROPOSED VARIATION NO.1 TO FINGAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023-2029
We welcome your submissions to the proposed Variation No.1
Pursuant to Section 13 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended), notice is hereby given that Fingal County Council proposes a variation to the Fingal Development Plan 2023 – 2029.
Proposed Variation No. 1:
To vary the Fingal Development Plan 2023-2029 to give effect to the NPF Implementation: Housing Growth Requirements Guidelines for Planning Authorities (2025), introduced in accordance with Section 28 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended).
It is proposed to amend the text of the Fingal Development Plan 2023-2029 Written Statement and Appendices. It is also proposed to change the land use zonings of 11 no. areas as shown on the Fingal Development Plan Map Sheets, to amend development boundaries accordingly and to include new Local Objectives for 2 no. of the areas in question. It is also proposed to replace the Long-Term Strategic Reserve designation with a Local Area Plan designation in relation to lands at Dunsink on Development Plan Map Sheet 13.
Reason for the Proposed Variation No. 1:
This Variation has been prepared to align the Fingal Development Plan 2023-2029 with Ministerial Guidelines published in accordance with Section 28 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended).
These guidelines are the NPF Implementation: Housing Growth Requirements Guidelines for Planning Authorities (2025), which were published to give effect to the National Planning Framework - First Revision (2025).
The Proposed Variation is accompanied by:
• A Natura Impact Report (NIR) incorporating an Appropriate Assessment (AA) Screening pursuant to the EU Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC),
• A Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) Environmental Report incorporating SEA Screening pursuant to Directive 2001/42/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on the assessment of the effects of certain plans and programmes on the environment and S.I. 436/2004 Planning and Development (Strategic Environmental Assessment) Regulations 2004 (as amended by S.I. 201/2011),
• A Strategic Flood Risk Assessment, pursuant to Section 28 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended), and
• A Settlement Capacity Audit.
Public Display:
The proposed Variation No. 1 to the Fingal Development Plan 2023-2029 along with accompanying Development Plan Mapping, SEA Environmental Report, AA Natura Impact Report and Strategic Flood Risk Assessment may be inspected from Tuesday 23rd December 2025 to Thursday 29th January 2026 (both dates inclusive) during normal opening hours (Monday to Thursday 9am to 5pm and Friday 9am to 4.30pm) at:
• Fingal County Council Offices at County Hall, Main Street, Swords, Co. Dublin,
• Fingal County Council Civic Offices, Grove Road, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15
• Fingal County Council’s Offices, George’s Square, Balbriggan, Co. Dublin,
• Fingal Branch Libraries during normal opening hours for each library. See www.fingal.ie for local library opening hours.
The documents may also be viewed on Fingal County Council’s website at https://consult.fingal.ie/en/browse
Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA):
In complying with SEA Directive (2001/42/EC) and the Planning and Development (Strategic Environmental Assessment) Regulations 2004 (S.I. 436/2004 as amended by S.I. 201/2011), Fingal County Council has carried out Strategic Environmental Assessment Screening and determined that SEA is required. A copy of the SEA Determination and SEA Environmental Report (incorporating the Screening for SEA) are available for public inspection with the proposed Variation.
Appropriate Assessment:
A Screening for Appropriate Assessment pursuant to Article 6 of the EU Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC has been carried out and Fingal County Council has determined that a full Appropriate Assessment is required. A copy of the Natura Impact Report (incorporating the Screening for Appropriate Assessment) is available for public inspection with the proposed Variation.
Making a submission:
Written submissions or observations with respect to this proposed Variation No. 1 can be made in writing no later than 5.00pm on Thursday 29th January 2026. Submissions should be in ONE medium only i.e. in hard copy or online.
Submissions should include the full name and address of the person making the submission, details of organisation, community group or company represented where relevant.
Children or groups or associations representing the interests of children are entitled to make submissions or observations to the proposed Variation.
Submissions should be clearly marked – Proposed Variation No. 1 Fingal County Development Plan 2023 - 2029.
Submissions or observations can be made as follows:
• Online at https://consult.fingal.ie/en/browse or
• By post to: Senior Executive Officer, Planning and Strategic Infrastructure Department, Fingal County Council, County Hall, Main St., Swords, Co. Dublin, K67X8Y2.
LATE SUBMISSIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED
Any written submissions or observations made to the Planning Authority from Tuesday 23rd December 2025 to Thursday 29th January 2026 in respect of the proposed Variation and associated Strategic Environmental Assessment Environmental Report and Appropriate Assessment Natura Impact Report will be taken into consideration before the making of the Variation.
Written submissions or observations received by the Planning Authority in relation to the proposed Variation may be published on the website of the planning authority. The details including the names of those making submissions may be shared with relevant Council Departments or their agents involved in the making of the Variation and may form part of reports linked to the making of the Variation. The Chief Executive’s Report on submissions and observations received will include the names of those who made submissions or observations and will be included in the minutes of that meeting and subsequently published on Fingal County Council’s website.
Senior Executive Officer Dated: 23rd December 2025