4.2 - Achievements

Following a period of economic stagnation in the recession, the city has seen a substantial transformation over the last number of years and witnessed significant growth and investment. This growth has been underpinned by a clear spatial policy direction of expansion of the city eastwards to the Docklands and westwards to Heuston; creating new development and regeneration areas; consolidating the physical development of the city by tackling brownfield, vacant and under-utilised lands; and developing Key Urban Villages as sustainable hubs to anchor the suburbs.

In this regard, Dublin City Council has made significant progress in supporting the development of a number of successful neighbourhoods with the ongoing implementation of its Local Area Plans (LAPs) and Strategic Development Zones (SDZs) resulting in the creation of new communities at Ashtown-Pelletstown, at Clongriffin-Belmayne and within the North and South Docklands. Further LAPs have been adopted for Ballymun and Parkwest-Cherry Orchard, as well as a new Planning Scheme for the Poolbeg West SDZ. It is envisaged that these key regeneration areas will continue to become the focus of further consolidation through the delivery of new housing and commerce alongside social and community infrastructure. The spatial structure that has evolved in the city over the past number of years will continue to be consolidated and enhanced.

There has also been significant redevelopment of brownfield lands throughout the city, many for higher density residential and mixed-use developments. Many of these projects have had significant environmental and regeneration benefits. The progressive consolidation of the city has also been assisted by a strategic review of all low intensity industrial areas which was undertaken over the last plan period. This review culminated in the rezoning of a number of sites for more intensive development.

One of the areas that has seen some of the most significant growth and investment is the north and south Docklands area which has now been substantially built out under the framework of the North Lotts and Grand Canal Dock SDZ Planning Scheme adopted in 2014. To date, over 2,000 housing units and 420,000 sq. metres of commercial development have been delivered, as well as new streets and urban spaces. Key landmark projects include the redevelopment of the Boland’s Mills complex, a strategic yet long derelict site at Grand Canal Dock that is now being transformed into a major new commercial and residential quarter including a new public waterfront public plaza and the regeneration of a number of historic protected structures. There has also been significant development at the Grangegorman Campus with the ongoing consolidation of the Technological University Dublin, as well as the delivery of significant new public realm improvements.

The city has also continued to expand and consolidate to the west and south west with the regeneration of large brownfield sites in the Liberties and at Heuston Station, including the redevelopment of the Clancy Army Barracks. The City Council has also been active in seeking the regeneration of its designated Strategic Development and Regeneration Areas (SDRAs) via framework development plans and schematic master plans. Key SDRAs that are currently under development include the Clongriffin-Belmayne where significant Strategic Housing Development (SHD) applications have been granted planning permission. The ongoing regeneration of significant regeneration sites including St. Michaels Estate, O’Devaney Gardens, Dolphin House and St. Teresa’s Gardens continues to play an important role in densifying and consolidating the city at a neighbourhood level.

There have also been a number of significant public realm improvement projects undertaken since 2016, including the Grafton Street Quarter Public Realm Masterplan and the Dublin Docklands SDZ Public Realm Plan. Green Infrastructure (GI) development in the City has also been a notable feature including the implementation of the Liberties Greening Strategy with the opening of Weavers Park (playground) and St. Luke’s (public realm enhancements works for the setting of a protected structure) both located off Cork Street and St. Audeon’s / the Peace Park on High Street. A greening strategy for the North East Inner City is also being implemented. The city centre has also been improved through the pedestrianisation of a number of streets to the benefit of the city core. The ongoing roll out of the pedestrian wayfinding scheme across the city centre, has significantly enhanced the urban environment and the attractiveness of the city centre to residents, visitors and investors.