Rathmichael Framework Plan

Rathmichael is identified as a 'New Residential Community' in the Core Strategy of the dlr County Development Plan 2022-2028. As noted in the County Development Plan, the future development of Rathmichael is contingent upon the timely delivery of supporting infrastructure. A plan-led approach to the development of Rathmichael is of paramount importance to ensure the proper planning and sustainable development of the area. 

In accordance with the provisions of the dlr County Development Plan, the Planning Department is progressing the preparation of a Draft Framework Plan for the Rathmichael area.

The pre-draft public consultation stage ran for a 5-week period from Friday 4th April 2025 to Friday 9th May 2025. During this period, two public information drop-in events were held and both events were very well attended.

To help inform the pre-draft consultation, the Planning Department prepared:

• An Issues Paper with accompanying maps and figures that pulled together baseline information by way of a study of various themes relevant to the area; and,
• An online Story Map which provided context for the area and the plan-making process.

A total of 190 no. written submissions/observations were received from the public. The Planning Authority would like to thank everyone who took the time to prepare and submit a submission / observation and who attended the consultation events.

The Planning Authority has commenced the preparation of a Draft Framework Plan for the Rathmichael area. The Draft Plan will be informed by a myriad of plans and policies at national, regional and local level. 

In addition to overarching policy, the Draft Plan will be informed by issues raised through the pre-draft consultation and a series of studies / assessments including, but not limited to:

• Infrastructure Capacity Assessment Study (ICAS)
• Area Based Transport Assessment (ABTA)
• Strategic Flood Risk Assessment (SFRA)
• Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA)
• Appropriate Assessment (AA)

Once prepared, the Draft Plan will be placed on display for a further period of public consultation.

In complying with SEA Directive (2001/42/EC) and Regulation 4(4) of the European Union (Land Use Planning – Strategic Environmental Assessment) Regulations 2025 (S.I. No. 456 of 2025), DLRCC has carried out a Strategic Environmental Assessment Screening and determined that a SEA is required. A copy of the SEA Screening Determination is available here:

An Appropriate Assessment (AA) Screening Determination as to whether the proposed Variation No.2 to the DLR County Development Plan 2022-2028 is likely to have significant effects on the integrity of European Sites, alone or in combination with other plans and projects, has been made under Part 6 Chapter 2 of the Planning and Development Act 2024 (as amended). 

DLRCC, having regard to the ‘Precautionary Principle’ enshrined in EU and Irish environmental law, therefore determines that an AA is required for the proposed Variation. A Natura Impact Report will be required to be prepared for the Variation. A copy of the AA Screening Determination is available here