Phil Hogan, T.D., Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, has announced details of the designation of the North Lotts and Grand Canal Dock areas of the Dublin Docklands as a Strategic Development Zone (SDZ).

This will provide for continued fast-track planning in designated areas on the wind up of the Dublin Docklands Development Authority (DDDA) next year.

The SDZ designation, proposed by Dublin City Council as the development agency, has been made in the context of the Government’s decision last May to wind up the DDDA and Minister Hogan’s commitment to provide for continued availability of fast-track planning in order to maintain the attractiveness of the Dublin Docklands area as a prime location for inward investment.

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Welcoming the SDZ designation as the first step towards developing a comprehensive planning framework for the area, Minister Hogan acknowledged the importance of facilitating the continuation of development and economic activity in the centrally located and much sought-after Docklands area. Further, he emphasized the need for fostering of community interaction and local initiatives to ensure that the area continues to grow in a sustainable and inclusive manner.

"One of the major advantages of the SDZ process is the wide-ranging consultative measures built into developing the SDZ planning scheme to ensure as inclusive an involvement and input from the full range of stakeholders in the area. Through this SDZ, we can facilitate the key stakeholders in the area – residents, businesses and potential investors – to help shape the future planning and build-out of this strategic city-centre location and sustain the good work already achieved by the Authority in re-developing this vibrant and successful urban quarter."

(CD)