South Dublin County Council has refused to rezone the St Edmundsbury site near Lucan for housing, while approving residential zoning at Finnstown Castle and Coldcut Road. The decision follows a statutory process requiring councils to identify additional land for homebuilding after a direction from the Minister for Housing.
Dublin council rejects St Edmundsbury housing proposal
Councillors voted on Monday to maintain the existing zoning at St Edmundsbury, a site on the south side of the River Liffey, close to Lucan and west of the Hermitage Golf Club. The land is currently designated as “high amenity” because of its environmental and natural amenity value.
The site is associated with businessmen John Magnier and JP McManus. Its proposed rezoning had attracted strong opposition, with more than 1,600 submissions previously reported as opposing development at the location.
A demonstration was held in Lucan on Saturday by the Save St Edmundsbury Protest Committee, which urged councillors to reject the proposal.
Two other South Dublin sites approved for housing
While St Edmundsbury will not be rezoned, councillors approved housing zoning at two other locations:
- Finnstown Castle: located between Lucan and Adamstown.
- Coldcut Road: situated south of the Liffey Valley Shopping Centre.
The three sites had been considered together in a proposal from South Dublin County Council chief executive Colm Ward. Combined, they were identified as having potential for more than 1,700 homes, although the final capacity will depend on future planning applications and decisions.
- St Edmundsbury will remain under its existing high-amenity zoning.
- Finnstown Castle and Coldcut Road were approved for housing zoning.
- The council received 1,710 submissions on the proposals.
- The rezoning process followed a direction from Housing Minister James Browne.
Why the rezoning vote took place again
The meeting was marked by concern among some councillors about having to vote more than once on the rezoning question. Several councillors had previously voted against rezoning the land.
Sinn Féin councillor Daniel Loftus questioned why another vote was required, arguing that councillors and members of the public had already made their positions clear. People Before Profit-Solidarity councillor Jess Spear said the process had damaged public confidence in local democratic decision-making.
Mr Ward told councillors that the second vote was required under a statutory process. He acknowledged the difficulty of the procedure but said the council had to complete it.
Housing pressure remains central to Ireland News
The decision comes as Ireland continues to face intense pressure to increase housing supply. The Minister for Housing, James Browne, instructed local authorities last summer to identify significant additional land for homes.
That direction has placed local councils at the centre of a difficult policy debate. Authorities must respond to national housing targets while also considering infrastructure, transport, environmental protection, local planning policy and the views of residents.
South Dublin’s decision illustrates the competing pressures involved. The council has approved two locations for possible housing development but has retained high-amenity zoning at a third site that generated substantial opposition.
What happens next?
The rezoning decisions do not themselves authorise construction. Developers would still need to submit planning applications, and those applications would be assessed under the normal planning system. Issues such as road capacity, public transport, drainage, schools, biodiversity and community facilities may all be examined.
The number of homes eventually delivered at Finnstown Castle and Coldcut Road is therefore not yet confirmed. The approvals create the planning basis for residential development, but delivery will depend on subsequent applications, permissions, infrastructure and market conditions.
At St Edmundsbury, the immediate outcome is that the land will not move into residential zoning through this process. Any future proposal would have to be considered through the relevant planning and policy framework.
Frequently asked questions
Was St Edmundsbury approved for housing?
No. South Dublin County Council upheld the decision not to rezone the St Edmundsbury site near Lucan.
Which sites were approved?
Finnstown Castle, between Lucan and Adamstown, and Coldcut Road, south of the Liffey Valley Shopping Centre, were approved for housing zoning.
Does rezoning mean homes can be built immediately?
No. Rezoning is only one stage. Planning applications and assessments will still be required before construction can begin.
How many submissions did the council receive?
The meeting heard that 1,710 submissions were received, including observations from prescribed bodies. The submissions focused heavily on St Edmundsbury and Finnstown.
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What the decision means for Dublin
South Dublin County Council’s vote delivers a divided outcome: two sites can proceed towards housing development, while St Edmundsbury retains its high-amenity designation. The decision reflects the wider challenge facing Ireland’s planning system—finding land for much-needed homes without overlooking environmental concerns or local opposition.
For residents, developers and housing policymakers, the next important stage will be the planning process for Finnstown Castle and Coldcut Road. The council’s decision creates potential for new homes, but it does not guarantee when, how many or under what conditions they will be delivered.
