Fingal County Council is to appoint consultants to draw up a new plan for the development of south Fingal, an area between Malahide Road and Swords road north of the Dublin city boundary which has major potential for job creation.
The first step is to prepare a study of existing assets - and constraints - which include Dublin Airport, possible developments like LUAS and a heavy rail link to the airport and the need for green space.
The current Fingal Development Plan recognises that parts of south Fingal have huge potential for job creation. However substantial areas will be required for amenity and recreational use. The new study will consider:
Facilitating the provision of a heavy rail link to the airport from Dublin city, to connect with the national and regional rail network.
Providing for the extension of the light rail transit (LUAS) to Swords via the airport - a route which may now be developed as part of the metro system announced recently by the Minister for Public Enterprise.
Upgrading and developing the road network.
Providing necessary water drainage arrangements.
Developing appropriate science and technology, service centre, recreational, hotel and conference centre uses at suitable locations.
Minimising adverse environmental effects associated with the airport.
Facilitating the efficient and effective use of car-parking land.
Facilitating the provision of a second major east-west runway.
Protecting current and future operational, safety and technical requirements of the airport.
Fingal County Council points out that Dublin Airport is "the single most significant economic entity" in the region and says that it has a role "as guardian of this natural resource".
The study to be undertaken will also include an assessment of the archaeological features, protected structures and buildings, and their settings.
It will also assess social infrastructure such as public transport, the objectives of local stakeholders and topographical features such as views and prospects. Historic and visually sensitive landscapes are to be preserved as are sensitive areas because of their flora, fauna and other ecological features.
The study is to consider the provision of accommodation for travellers and is committed to delivering services such as schools, creches and facilities for the disabled.
Planning authorities are now obliged by the 1999 Berlin protocols to consider more than the traditional physical infra structural requirements, such as water and drainage, when considering an area plan.
The extent to which local authorities have taken this on board varies. Meath County Council has a very integrated plan for the development of Navan; Wicklow County Council seems determined to develop Newtownmountkennedy which has virtually no social infrastructure and which is in a green belt hinterland area.
