North Lotts and Grand Canal Dock

On the 18th December 2012 the government designated part of the Dublin Docklands' area at North Lotts and Grand Canal Dock as a strategic development zone (SDZ).

Photo of North Lotts and Grand Canal Dock with cranes in the skyline

Dublin City Council (DCC), at its meeting on 5th November 2013, decided by resolution to make the North Lotts & Grand Canal Dock Planning Scheme. The planning scheme, together with modifications, was approved by An Bord Pleanála on 16th May 2014.

The planning scheme, environmental statement and other supporting documents are available to download below.

Amendments-building heights, 2023

On 1st Sept 2023, An Bord Pleanála approved amendments to the planning scheme submitted in relation to building heights. These amendments were made on foot of Government Guidelines from 2018 titled “Urban Development and Building Heights” which required a review of the planning scheme to demonstrate that set criteria were addressed. The proposed amendments, as submitted by Dublin City Council to An Bord Pleanála, are available at the following link.  (These amendments were accompanied by relevant background information and environmental statements)

Proposed Amendments to the North Lotts and GCD Planning scheme as submitted to An Bord Pleanala

An Bord Pleanála’s final decision (1st Sept 2023)

ABP decision on building heights Amendment

The decision approved the amendments proposed with the exception of the proposed change at Block 3D, which has been omitted.  Dublin City Council, as Development Agency, can now proceed to implement these amendments (as modified) in assessing new development proposals within the SDZ.

2018 Amendment- revised bridge locations

On 8th August 2017, Dublin City Council applied to an Bord Pleanála, to make an amendments as set out in the documents linked below. (These amendments were accompanied by relevant background information and environmental statements)

Full report as submitted to An Bord Pleanala

On 30th October 2018, An Bord Pleanála, made a split decision insofar as the re-sitings were dis-allowed, but the introduction of, in effect, an additional bridge to the west of the Tom Clarke Bridge was allowed as an amendment to the SDZ Planning Scheme.

Board Order 29N.ZE.0006

North Lotts and Grand Canal Dock Planning Scheme

North Lotts and Grand Canal Dock - Intro and Chapter 1
North Lotts and Grand Canal Dock - Chapter 2
North Lotts and Grand Canal Dock - Chapter 3
North Lotts and Grand Canal Dock - Chapter 4 (Part 1)
North Lotts and Grand Canal Dock - Chapter 4 (Part 2)
North Lotts and Grand Canal Dock - Chapter 5
North Lotts and Grand Canal Dock - Chapter 6 and Appendix

Supporting Document to Planning Scheme

North Lotts Environmental Report
North Lotts Natural Impact Report
SDZ Views Prospects Analysis Final (27th Feb 2013)
SEA Statement 12th November 2013

The approved planning scheme and environmental statement are also available for inspection at the following location and times:

Public Counter
Planning Department
Ground Floor
Civic Offices
Wood Quay
Dublin 8

Opening hours 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday

Contact Details

Planning Department

Telephone Number