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Lucan Unites a second time for the 'Now or Never' Peaceful Protest Walk Against Rezoning of St. Edmundsbury Lands, on Saturday,17 October 2026
The Save St. Edmundsbury Protest Committee are inviting Lucan residents to stand together once again and attend the “Now or Never” Peaceful Protest Walk that will take place on Saturday, 17 October 2026 at 2pm.
Following our last protest walk back in June, 40 South Dublin County Councillors unanimously voted in support of preserving St. Edmundsbury. Following this victory, amendments to the draft plan required another round of public consultation. Following that consultation, Colm Ward, Chief Executive of the South Dublin County Council has made recommendations to its councillors that St. Edmundsbury (and other lands at Finnstown Castle and Coldcut) should be rezoned for residential development.
A final, decisive council vote on the land rezoning is scheduled for Monday, 19 October 2026. The Save St. Edmundsbury Protest Committee is asking Lucan residents to unite once more to voice their strong objection to the proposed rezoning of High Amenity lands and to encourage the South Dublin County Councillors to uphold their recent unanimous votes to protect these biodiverse areas and reject the Chief Executive's recommendation.
The Save St. Edmundsbury Protest Committee, founded in January 2026 by local advocates Julieann Byrne, Lesley Jenkins, and Rachel Tuohy, is asking Lucan residents to come together again to show their support in saying no to this rezoning by attending this 'Now or Never' Protest Walk, and the final chance to be heard!
Date Saturday, 17 October 2026 at 2pm
Meeting Location: Outside the main entrance gates (The entrance with the eagles) at St. Edmundsbury, Lucan
Route & Finish: Proceeding into the heart of Lucan, culminating at the Village Green with proceedings commencing at approximately 2:30pm, overseen by local MC Alex Byrne.
The walk is scheduled to commence on Saturday 17 October 2026 at 2PM, meeting outside the entrance gates with the eagles at St. Edmundsbury, Lucan. To ensure the safety of all participants, the event has been arranged in close partnership with An Garda Siochana, and volunteer stewards will be stationed along the entirety of the route. The peaceful walk will proceed toward the heart of Lucan, culminating at the Village Green where the community's collective voice will be heard. Supporters against the rezoning of Finnstown Castle and Coldcut are also encouraged to attend.
The campaign has garnered widespread local backing, receiving formal support from local councillors Helen Farrell and Liona O'Toole, TD Paul Gogarty, as well as local businesses, families, and concerned residents who seek to protect these sacred lands. Proceedings on the Village Green will kick off from approximately 2.30pm onwards, overseen by local MC, Alex Byrne.
Speaking about the forthcoming vote councillor Liona O'Toole states, 'Lucan is already accommodating substantial housing development. In my view our area is taking more than its fair share and protecting our remaining green spaces must also be a priority. St Edmundsbury and Finnstown provide important areas of natural habitat within our growing community. These lands remain largely untouched by development supporting a wide variety of wildlife and cattle still graze on the Finnstown lands. As development continues around us safeguarding these habitats becomes even more important.'
Speaking ahead of the 'Now or Never' Protest Walk, committee co-founder Rachel Tuohy praised the extraordinary community response so far: 'The community spirit of Lucan and beyond has just been amazing. Thank you to everyone for their online submissions and support to date. This is our last chance to have our voices heard, it's now or never everyone. We are asking Lucan residents to come and support the “Now or Never” Protest Walk where we will be asking the 40 South Dublin County Councillors to uphold their unanimous decision not to rezone these sacred lands on 19 October. Tell everyone you know and we'll see you on Saturday 17th October!'
The Save St. Edmundsbury Protest Committee invites all residents to join this peaceful protest walk as Lucan's way of saying 'no' to rezoning these locally loved and biodiverse lands.
Metro Link Double Service
Last week I mentioned that the northeast (not the southeast) of Dublin would have of an abundance of transport routes at a very high cost while the rest of Dublin and many parts of the country would be left waiting for a very long time while traffic congestion is growing at a massive rate. It gets even better for the same area if the Metro link is built.
From Charlemont near Ranelagh to Dublin Airport, the Metro Link would serve this area underground, the Green Luas line already operates from Ranelagh in same direction via the city centre to Broombridge and now being extended beyond Finglas to Charlestown just over two miles from Dublin Airport. This is duplication one rail line underground and another rail overground in the same directions. So why so much rail in this one direction.
This is not good planning if public transport is to address traffic congestion, ease climate change or suit the travelling public.
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.
Derren O Bradaigh, Lucan Sinn Fein Area Rep
Mobile: 087-2136345
Email: dobradaighsf@gmail.com
Twitter: @DerrenBrady1
Dodsboro Shops - Completion of Works: Having raised issues with incomplete works outside Spar and as part of District Centre Enhancements, I am delighted that this space was filled and planted. I first raised this in 2025, again in January this year and was given assurances it would be completed in a response in August.
Hansted - Yellow Junction Box: Following a recent courtesy canvass we carried out, residents requested a marked junction box at the entrance to the estate. The council have agreed to consider my request before the next Traffic Management meeting
Fforster and Castle Riada - Cycle Lanes: I have submitted a representation to the council that will hopefully provide an update on the cycle lanes on Castle Road. Resurfacing works took place some time ago, without the relevant bicycle lane painted markings being reinstated.
Shane Moynihan, TD, Fianna Fail, Dublin Mid-West
Email: shane.moynihan@oireachtas.ie
Phone: 01-6184128
Find me on Facebook, Instagram, X and TikTok
Working with Cllr Tanya McDonald
Solace Cafe for Dublin Mid-West: I am delighted to see a new Solace Cafe for Lucan and Dublin Mid-West, as part of funding announced in Budget 2027 by my colleague Minister Mary Butler TD. Solace Cafes provide free, out-of-hours support for adults experiencing a mental health crisis, in a safe and welcoming environment and as an alternative to an Emergency Department. This is a really welcome investment in mental health services for Lucan and the wider Dublin Mid-West community. Well done to all involved in campaigning for it!
Clinic: I will hold an advice clinic in Adamstown Community Centre on Monday 19 Octiober at 1pm. I hold advice clinics all over the constituency on Monday afternoon. If you would like to make an appointment, please let me know.
Minister Emer Higgins TD, Fine Gael
Constituency Office: 01 401 3416
Insta: @emerhigginstd
Facebook: www.facebook.com/EmerHigginsTD
Emer.higgins@oireachtas.ie
Budget 2027 Delivers for Lucan Families: There was plenty of good news for Lucan in Budget 2027. Families will benefit from lower childcare costs, tax reductions and extra help with day-to-day expenses. Pensioners, carers and people with disabilities will see increases in their weekly payments, while the new 500 euro Cost of Disability Payment will provide additional support. Older people living alone will also receive a boost through the Living Alone Allowance, and increased Fuel Allowance payments will help with home heating costs during the winter.
WEEE Recycle Collection: Have old electrical items lying around? Here's a great chance to recycle them locally. Recycle electrical items at Tesco, Hilcrest on Monday 12 October 9.30am to 12pm. If you need help disposing of large items e.g. washing machines or dishwashers, email Emer.Higgins@oir.ie or phone (01) 6183013 before 12 October to arrange local collection.
Cllr. Helen Farrell, Independent
Working with Paul Gogarty, TD, Independent
Email: hfarrell@cllrs.sdublincoco.ie
Tel: 087-2794936
Facebook: http://bit.ly/4jHwrjR
Protect St. Edmundsbury - Peaceful Protest Walk
If you want the Government to hear that you do NOT want 540+ houses built at St. Edmundsbury (in the proposed rezoning) and you support bringing these lands into the Liffey Valley Special Amenity Area (SAAO), please join us:
Saturday 17 October
2pm sharp
Meet at the St. Edmundsbury 'Eagle Entrance', opposite Esker Lane
Peaceful protest walk to Lucan Village Green
Expanding the SAAO would help protect the unique landscape and biodiversity of the Liffey Valley, plus secure an important entrance to the future Liffey Valley park.
I will again oppose the proposed rezoning of St. Edmundsbury, as well as any move to weaken the Adamstown West planning condition from DART+ South West being 'completed' to merely 'commenced'.
Paul Gogarty TD, Independent
Working with Cllr Helen Farrell
Not just at election time
Dail office: 01-6184078
Whatsapp: 089-2364871
Website: www.paulgogarty.com
Budget 2027: It's clear that the budget attempted to use a good chunk of the corporation windfall on tax breaks of various kinds, but too little of this on improving services and keeping costs down. While I supported helping people with cost-of-living supports, ultimately, we need to look at the bigger picture and invest in making us independent of foreign oil imports. We have the potential to cut energy prices for all and gain massive revenues, but it needs large scale investment.
In my speeches, now on my website, I highlighted the impact of underinvestment in public transport in our constituency, underinvestment on Garda resources, healthcare services and schools. All continue to suffer, and the Government wasted an opportunity to redress this.
St Edmundsbury: See Helen's notes.
Cllr. Caroline Brady, Peace Commissioner, Fine Gael
085 2551602
CBrady@SDublinCoCo.ie
WEEE Recycle Collection: Recycle electrical items at Tesco, Hillcrest this Monday 12th October 9.30am to 12pm. If you need help disposing of large items e.g. washing machines or dishwashers, email Emer.Higgins@oir.ie or phone (01) 6183013 before Monday to arrange local collection.
Have Your Say on South Dublin County Council's Future: South Dublin County Council's Citizens' Survey 2026 is open until 19th October. Residents, workers, students and visitors are invited to share their views on Council services and progress under the Corporate Plan 2025-2029. Your feedback will help shape future improvements. Read the corporate plan at CorporatePlan.SDCC.ie Have your say at Consult.SDublinCoCo.ie.
Dumping and Litter Paddocks Way and Hillcrest Heights: I raised the concern on behalf of residents and the council confirmed that they informed the local depot for appropriate works and requested no dumping signage.
Cllr. Liona O Toole, Independent Peace Commissioner
0872795274.
lotoole@cllrs.sdublincoco.ie
www.lotoole.com
Your Independent Voice!
My work on addressing the flooding issue on Esker Road at the Newcastle Road junction continues: The Council is responding to my request to resolve the problem. Given the complexity of the works involved traffic management was required in the evenings to reduce disruption rather than carrying out the works during the day. I will continue to monitor flooding in the area and follow up where needed.
Bulbs Not Bonfires is now open: If your residents' association, school or community group would like to apply please get in touch and I will gladly assist.
My motion at the Regional Health Forum on endometriosis was also passed seeking greater education for young women, earlier recognition of symptoms, improved diagnosis and better access to appropriate supports and treatment.
Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok - @cllrlionaotoole.
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