1.7 - Plan Making Process and Consultation

The preparation of this plan included pre-draft consultation with the elected members, the general public, key stakeholders, infrastructure providers, sectoral groups, statutory agencies and adjoining local authorities. The pre-draft public consultation extended over a ten-week period with the launch of an issues paper in February 2021.

The consultation strategy included a number of public information events including five online webinars to encourage as much public engagement as possible. There was also active use of social media including an information video. Over 750 written submissions, together with the opinions and comments arising from the public consultation webinars, were taken into account when formulating the draft development plan. The number of submissions and contributions reflects a high level of interest in the future of the city.

In considering the views expressed by the public at the pre-draft stage, the elected representatives proposed over 1,000 strategic directions to include in the draft development plan. Following consideration of the draft development plan prepared by the Chief Executive, the elected members proposed further motions for amendments to the draft plan. All changes agreed by the City Council were incorporated into the draft plan which went on public display from 25th November 2021 for a period of 12 weeks.

Over 4,300 submissions/observations were received in response to this stage of the public consultation process and the members, having considered the views expressed by the public proposed over 500 motions giving direction to the Chief Executive regarding strategic and policy issues to amend in the Draft Development Plan. The members resolved to amend the Draft Plan at Special Council Meetings in July 2022 following consideration of the Chief Executive’s Report on submissions received and the Chief Executive’s Report on motions received. As these amendments constituted a material alteration to the Draft Dublin City Development Plan, the Council resolved to place the proposed material alterations on statutory public display for a period of five weeks from the 27th of July 2022.

In addition to the public display which took place in locations throughout the city including all public libraries and area offices, all public documents were placed on the website specially designed for consultation on the Draft Plan – www.dublincitydevelopmentplan.ie and the City Council’s dedicated social media sites were used to publicise the material alteration display period. Over 1,000 submissions/observations were received on the proposed material amendments and 120 motions were received from Councillors. The members of Dublin City Council then considered the material amendments to the Draft City Development Plan 2022-2028 and the Chief Executive’s Report on submissions received and the Chief Executive’s Report on motions received at Special Council Meetings held on 1st  and 2nd of November 2022 and resolved to adopt the Draft Plan.

The adoption of the plan is a reserved function of the elected members under the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended). The adopted Dublin City Development Plan 2022 - 2028 takes effect from 14th December 2022.