Fingal County Council has approved a major variation to the Fingal Development Plan 2023–2029, clearing a path for 5,000 additional homes to be delivered across the county.

The move follows a full statutory public consultation and detailed debate by elected members.

The change responds to the Government's 'NPF Implementation: Housing Growth Requirements' Section 28 Guidelines, which direct local authorities to increase supply and accelerate delivery. Following a comprehensive review of land availability, Fingal will expand residential zoning to support compact, plan‑led growth.

The update lifts the plan's overall capacity from 35,000 to around 40,000 homes on more than 850 hectares, aligning with revised national housing targets and recent census data. It is intended to underpin long‑term growth, affordability and sustainable community development.

Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Tom O'Leary said: "The decision to accommodate an additional 5,000 new homes marks a significant step toward meeting the housing needs of one of the country’s fastest‑growing and most diverse populations. As housing represents the single largest investment we are making, the approval of this variation demonstrates a strong commitment to delivering more sustainable homes in the right locations - places where communities can grow and thrive."

-- Advertisement --

A centrepiece of the variation is the creation of a new residential district at Dunsink. The Council has spent the past 18 months on early planning and assessment to enable approximately 2,500 homes in the short term, making Dunsink the largest single contributor to the extra capacity.

Bringing forward Dunsink reflects a long‑term strategy to use well‑located land for mixed‑tenure neighbourhoods with strong transport links, services and employment potential. The project is expected to become one of the Dublin region’s most significant urban expansions during the lifetime of the Development Plan.

Outside Dunsink, a further 2,500 homes will be facilitated through rezoning at strategically selected locations including Barnhill, Clonsilla, Balrothery, Skerries, Lusk, Malahide, Kinsealy and Clongriffin—sites identified as suitable for compact, well‑connected development served by public transport and existing community infrastructure.

The variation was prompted by the new Section 28 Guidelines on National Planning Framework Implementation – Housing Growth Requirements, which replace the 2020 Housing Supply Target Methodology for Development Planning. Following their publication in July, the Minister for Housing, James Browne TD, asked all 31 local authorities to review their Development Plans and incorporate updated annual delivery targets.