North Lotts and Grand Canal Dock Strategic Development Zone
The North Lotts and Grand Canal Dock Strategic Development Zone (SDZ) is the principal planning framework for the continued regeneration of the central Dublin Docklands.
Dublin City Council designated part of the Dublin Docklands area at North Lotts and Grand Canal Dock as an SDZ in December 2012. The Planning Scheme was developed in November 2013 and it was approved by An Bord Pleanála in May 2014.
The SDZ was created to:
- Extend Dublin city centre eastwards into the Docklands.
- Regenerate former port, industrial and underutilised lands.
- Deliver significant amounts of office, residential, retail, hotel and cultural development.
- Strengthen Dublin's role as an international business and financial centre.
- Create new neighbourhoods with public spaces, community facilities and waterfront amenities.
- Maximise the benefits of major public transport infrastructure including the Luas, DART, rail services and future transport investment.
The Planning Scheme envisaged approximately 2,600 homes and 366,000 square metres of office and commercial floor space, making it one of the largest urban regeneration projects in Ireland.
SDZ Documents
Download the Planning Scheme and supporting environmental reports below.
2023 Amendment: Building Heights
In September 2023, An Bord Pleanála approved amendments to the Planning Scheme in relation to building heights. These amendments were made based on Government guidelines from 2018 entitled 'Urban Development and Building Heights' which required a review of the Planning Scheme to demonstrate that set criteria were addressed.
The decision approved the amendments proposed with the exception of the proposed change at Block 3D, which was omitted. Dublin City Council, as Development Agency, can now proceed to implement these amendments (as modified) when assessing new development proposals within the SDZ.
2018 Amendment: Revised Bridge Locations
In August 2017, Dublin City Council applied to An Bord Pleanála to make an amendment to the SDZ Planning Scheme relating to bridge locations.
In October 2018, An Bord Pleanála made a split decision. The revised locations were not allowed but an additional bridge was approved west of the Tom Clarke Bridge.
The approved Planning Scheme and environmental statement are also available for inspection at the Planning Department's public counter on the ground floor of Dublin City Council's Civic Offices. Get in touch using the contact details below or find out more about how to make an appointment.