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Save St. Edmundsbury Protest Committee
The Committee asks local residents for written submissions against rezoning of St. Edmundsbury Lands
On Tuesday, 16th June, Lucan residents came together in peaceful protest to voice their strong objection to the proposed rezoning of the historic lands at St. Edmundsbury. The Save St. Edmundsbury Protest Committee, led by local advocates Julieann Byrne, Lesley Jenkins, and Rachel Tuohy successfully mobilised over 1,000 concerned community members in unity to say no to the rezoning of sacred lands at St. Edmundsbury. With the support of local councillors Helen Farrell and Liona O'Toole, TD Paul Gogarty, local businesses, school children, parents and grandparents all took to the Village Green to communicate that, enough is enough.
On Friday 19th June, the councillors of the South Dublin County Council (SDCC) voted against the rezoning, however the process is now at its next stage, with a second round of public consultation and the Save St. Edmundsbury Protest Committee needs your help!
On Wednesday 15th July, Save St Edsmundbury Protest Committee co-founder Rachel Tuohy confirmed 'A phenomenal 1800 submissions against this proposed rezoning were received by SDCC'. This and all of our public efforts made a huge impact. However, the process is at the next stage, a second round of public consultation. We need to let the council know how much we support keeping St Edmundsbury as High Amenity land. A few pointers for your submissions; state that you agree/support retaining St Edmundsbury as high amenity lands and give your reasons.
We recommend referencing compliance with the National Planning Framework (NPF) that seeks to enhance amenity, preserve heritage, transition to a climate resilient society. Green infrastructure aligns with the NPF's focus on biodiversity, climate action, natural capital. Development would sever ecological corridors and damage the landscapes integrity. The NPF emphasises the importance of high-quality 'sense of place' and community well-being. We would advise to avoid leading with transport or infrastructure deficits. This won't carry the same weight as arguments based on the environment, biodiversity, recreational amenity and open green space. Please get your submissions in as soon as you can, every submission counts!'
Councillor Liona O'Toole agreed stating, 'The submission doesn't have to be as detailed as last time. This round is really about supporting the proposed amendments to the plans. I think the biggest challenge this time will simply be encouraging more people to make submissions/observations. In particular, I'd encourage support for St. Edmundsbury, Finnstown Castle and the amendment requiring DART+ West to be operational and not just commenced before Adamstown West can proceed. Although the 1,000 units haven't been removed from the Adamstown West plans the Chief Executive has noted that making DART+ West operational as a condition could delay delivery of those homes. In my view that simply strengthens the message to Government that funding needs to be released now so DART+ West can be delivered. We really need as many submissions as possible on the Adamstown-related amendments.' Councillor Liona O'Toole welcomed participation stating, 'with it being holiday season getting people to engage will be a bigger challenge than last time. As always I'm here to help if anyone needs assistance.'
The Save St. Edmundsbury Protest Committee is now urging all concerned Lucan residents to take stand together again and make their submission before the deadline on 5th August 2026.
Extra advantage with Metro Dart
If Metro Dart is successful, all rail lines in Ireland will have direct access to Dublin Airport and around Dublin. This will change transport movements throughout Ireland and will maximise the use of rail to its full potential, for work, leisure and access to all big events of sport, music and festivals. Now it can have another great advantage due to extra trains for early flights to Dublin Airport.
Due to train requirements for early flights, more working facilities will become available for some workers to avail of these early trains along with twenty-four-hour bus services for access to early working. The attraction for these early starts will be early finishes. This will extend the peak travel times throughout the day. This will create a shift working pattern with peak movements spread more evenly throughout the day reducing traffic congestion during the short peak times at present.
It will ease traffic congestion on M50 and on all major roads into Dublin. With easier access around Dublin by linking up the full rail network will attract more to use public transport. This a great opportunity to make best use of rail and it should not be missed by linking up all the rail lines directly with just one line in the best location benefiting all Dublin, the city centre and all areas of Ireland with access to rail.
Tom Newton 086 3127364 @acratu.com
Politicians please note
Due to pressure of space, each representative is limited to 150 words in their report (including name and contact details).
Please keep reports relevant to Lucan
Please note: Wednesday 10pm is the weekly deadline.
Cllr. Caroline Brady, Peace Commissioner, Fine Gael
085 2551602
CBrady@SDublinCoCo.ie
Thank you to the Newsletter Team for the excellent work they do throughout the year keeping us informed and connected, and to readers for your continued support. I wish the newsletter team a well-deserved break and look forward to the newsletter's return. Enjoy the summer everyone.
Upcoming Council Meetings:
Below are the dates for the September County Council meetings. If there is an issue you would like raised at Council, please contact me before the submission deadline:
County Council Meeting: 14th September, deadline 31st August.
Local Community Safety Partnership: 18th September, deadline 31st August.
Traffic Management Meeting: 22nd September, deadline 28th August.
Lucan Area Committee Meeting: 22nd September, deadline 8th September.
Speed Limit Review: Public consultation expected in August. Contact me with your concerns or locations for review. Councillors will decide on proposed speed limit bye-laws in October.
Cllr. Helen Farrell, Independent
Working with Paul Gogarty, TD, Independent
Email: hfarrell@cllrs.sdublincoco.ie
Tel: 087-2794936
Facebook: http://bit.ly/4jHwrjR
Promenade Delay; Again! SDCC informed me that Lucan Village promenade is now unlikely to open until end August. 100% unacceptable! Councillors were promised its completion by end May, then end July! With Lucan Festival weekend 4 September, and Liffey Descent 19 September, I've made it clear to SDCC that it has to be open before these crucial dates.
One Last Push To Save St. Edmundsbury: We are almost there- but we urgently need your help. Councillors voted against rezoning St. Edmundsbury (+Finnstown), but that decision now needs your support in writing. Send your submission via the SDCC Consultation Portal, or use my templates at www.helenfarrell.com. Paul Gogarty TD and I will also hold a drop-in clinic, Saturday 25th 10.00am-12.30pm, Starbucks (Woodies), with templates ready for YOU to sign.
Minister Emer Higgins TD, Fine Gael
Constituency Office: 01 401 3416
Insta: @emerhigginstd
Facebook: www.facebook.com/EmerHigginsTD
Emer.higgins@oireachtas.ie
Miscarriage Leave: Delighted to see this important legislation move forward, which will provide greater support and compassion for women and families experiencing the heartbreak of pregnancy loss. Supporting families during difficult times is really important.
Back-to-School Grants: Applications for the Back-to-School Clothing and Footwear Allowance are open until 30th September. Eligible families can receive 160 euro for children aged 2-11 and 285 euro for children aged 12-22 (returning to full-time second-level education). The payment is means-tested and available to those on qualifying social welfare, employment, or training schemes. Household income limits apply.
Thank You! A sincere thank you to all at the Lucan Parish Newsletter for their hard work and dedication throughout the year. As the publication takes a summer break, I want to acknowledge their commitment to keeping the community informed and connected.
Cllr. Liona O Toole, Independent Peace Commissioner
0872795274.
lotoole@cllrs.sdublincoco.ie
www.lotoole.com
Your Independent Voice!
Lucan Continues to See Significant Activity!
Consultation: The public consultation on the Material Alterations to Variation No. 2 of the South Dublin County Development Plan remains open until 5 August 2026. I encourage everyone to review the proposals, make a submission as every individual submission counts.
Love Lucan: The new Love Lucan campaign is now visible throughout the village with colourful signs celebrating and promoting our fantastic local businesses. Please support local by shopping, dining and using the excellent services available in Lucan.
Roadworks: Many residents are also experiencing disruption from ongoing roadworks. Current utility and infrastructure works are expected to continue into early August with the final section on Newcastle Road scheduled for completion apart from the final resurfacing.
For regular updates on local news follow my social media pages Facebook, Instagram, TikTok - all @cllrlionaotoole.
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