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 actively progressing the preparation of a Draft Framework Plan for the Rathmichael area. The intention is to progress the Framework Plan as a Variation to the dlr County Development Plan under Section 58 of the Planning and Development Act 2024.

The pre-draft public consultation stage was undertaken in 2025. During the consultation 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 issues and observations raised through the pre-draft consultation process will be considered in the preparation of the Draft Plan. 

The Draft Framework Plan will be informed by a myriad of plans and policies at national, regional and local level, in addition to issues and observations raised through the pre-draft consultation process.

The Planning Authority have also undertaken / are progressing a series of studies and assessments to inform the Plan, which includes:

• Infrastructure Capacity Assessment Study 
• Area Based Transport Assessment 
• Floorspace Capacity Assessment for Retail and Service Uses
• Strategic Flood Risk Assessment 
• Strategic Environmental Assessment 
• Appropriate Assessment

The Planning Authority are progressing an Area Based Transport Assessment for the south east area of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown. The objective of the ABTA is to prepare a Local Transport Plan setting out the interventions and transport and mobility objectives for the area. The ABTA process forms a key component in informing the Plan and will be completed concurrently with the finalisation of the Rathmichael Framework Plan. 

Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA)

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.

Appropriate Assessment (AA)

An Appropriate Assessment (AA) Screening Determination as to whether the proposed Variation 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, has determined that AA is required for the proposed Variation. A Natura Impact Report will be required to be prepared. A copy of the AA Screening Determination is available here.