Green light for up to 15,000 homes in Dunsink City Quarter as landmark plan approved by councillors

Fingal County Council has welcomed the approval of the Dunsink Urban Area Plan by elected members, marking a significant milestone in the planning of Dunsink City Quarter, a new sustainable urban community with the potential to deliver up to 15,000 homes alongside schools, parks, community facilities, employment opportunities and supporting infrastructure. 

Over four meetings this week, elected members considered the Chief Executive's report on submissions and resulting amendments as well as their 240 motions relating to the draft Plan. Some of the motions agreed by members may constitute material amendments, which will require further public consultation in accordance with the statutory process, although most of the Plan remains unchanged.

Significant progress has been made through both the public consultation process and the members' consideration of the draft Plan. The Plan continues to provide a clear strategic framework for the future development of Dunsink, guided by a long-term vision, infrastructure objectives, and key development principles including a range of densities. 

Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Tony Murphy, said: "The adoption of this Plan marks an important milestone in shaping one of the most significant new communities planned for Ireland in recent decades. I want to acknowledge the contribution of residents, stakeholders and elected members whose engagement throughout the process has helped to shape the final Plan. Their input has strengthened the framework that will guide the future development of Dunsink.”

The Chief Executive of Fingal County Council, AnnMarie Farrelly, said: “The adoption of the Dunsink Urban Area Plan represents a significant milestone in planning for one of the most important strategic growth locations in the country.

"While certain amendments agreed by members may require a further period of public consultation, the vast majority of the Plan remains unchanged and substantial progress has been achieved. 

"The vision for Dunsink as a sustainable new community remains firmly in place and the work completed to date provides a strong foundation for delivering homes, infrastructure, services, employment opportunities and amenities for future generations." 

Róisín Burke, Director of Planning and Development at Fingal County Council, said: "The Dunsink Urban Area Plan establishes a comprehensive framework for growth which responds to both local needs and national planning objectives. By integrating housing, transport, community facilities, biodiversity, heritage and climate resilience into a single planning framework, the Plan will help guide the creation of a high-quality and sustainable new community that can evolve over time while maintaining a strong sense of place."

The Dunsink City Quarter Urban Area Plan sets out a long-term vision for the development of a residential-led mixed-use community across a 435-hectare site strategically located inside the M50 between Castleknock, Blanchardstown and Dublin City Centre.

The vision for the new urban quarter sees homes, jobs, schools, parks and community facilities planned together from the outset. It also recognises the importance of protecting and celebrating the area's rich natural, cultural and scientific heritage, including Dunsink Observatory, the Royal Canal and the Tolka Valley.

Dunsink City Quarter will play a key role in meeting housing demand in the Dublin region, with the Urban Area Plan providing the framework to move forward with the delivery of the initial phase of development, including up to 2,500 homes. Over time, the area has the potential to accommodate up to 15,000 homes, supported by the infrastructure, services, employment opportunities and amenities needed to create a sustainable new urban community.

The adopted Plan is centred around eight development areas, including the residential neighbourhoods of Dunsink East, Dunsink Central and Dunsink West. It also includes a Cultural Quarter centred on Dunsink Observatory and a new Regional Park and Recreational Hub on the former landfill site.

New transport proposals within the Plan include enhanced connections to Ashtown and Navan Road Parkway railway stations, provision for future public transport investment, local bus services and an extensive active travel network connecting communities to rail, greenways, parks and amenities throughout the area.

Fingal County Council has previously secured funding in excess of €20 million under the Government's Housing Infrastructure Investment Fund (HIIF) to deliver key upgrades at the Dunsink lands. This investment will assist in unlocking development and providing the infrastructure necessary to support future growth.

The provision of community infrastructure including community centres, childcare facilities and schools is a key component of the Plan, with each phase linking housing delivery to the provision of supporting services, public realm improvements and sustainable transport infrastructure.

The next step in the process will be for the Council to consider the amendments adopted by members and determine whether any constitute material alterations to the draft Plan. Should any such material alterations be identified, they will be subject to further public consultation in accordance with the statutory process before the Plan is returned to the Council for final adoption.