Proposed large-scale residential development on lands on Forest Road, Swords
Planning ref: LRD0057/S3E
Recently the Save Swords Greenbelt campaign raised concerns about the proposed development of a distributor road within the designated Greenbelt zone as outlined in this application.
We urged the strategic planning department to uphold the existing zoning objectives as this proposed road undermines the very purpose of the Greenbelt, which is to prevent unrestricted urban sprawl, protect biodiversity, stop environmental destruction, mitigate climate change and protect the integrity of rural and urban boundaries and ultimately the health and wellbeing of our community.
Furthermore, we requested that this proposed road remain separate from, and not influence, any future considerations regarding the route of a potential Western Distributor Road for Swords. This will safeguard sustainable community building v. developer led planning, the recommended strategy in Fingal County Council’s Chief Executive Report (Development Plan 2023-2029).
250+ submissions were submitted by residents asking for the Greenbelt to be protected.
In addition, we contacted all 7 Swords Councillors to voice our concerns.
5 out of the 7 Swords Councillors responded immediately and pledged their full support in continuing to protect the Greenbelt now and into the future. All 5 made submissions in support of the Greenbelt.
The 5 Councillors are; Cllr. Joe Newman (Indpt.), Cllr. Darren Jack Kelly (Indpt.), Cllr. Dean Mulligan (Indpts4Change), Cllr. James Humphreys (Labour) and Cllr. John Smyth (Sinn Fein).
Unfortunately 2 Swords Cllrs. Darragh Butler (Fianna Fail) and Luke Corkery (Fine Gael) did not respond to our emails and did not make a submission in support of the Greenbelt.
During the last Development Plan Cllr Darragh Butler (Fianna Fail) and ex-Cllr. Brigid Manton (Fianna Fail) put forward motions, which if passed would have resulted in two Greenbelts being rezoned (Rivervalley, Ridgewood, Ashfield and Knocksedan Greenbelt and Uniplumo Greenbelt, Rathbeale Road). This was despite 2,500+ objections from residents, community groups and other Cllrs.
In his recent election material, Cllr. Luke Corkery (Fine Gael) stated “… there is a significant amount of work to be done at local level to address climate change…. promoting biodiversity and safeguarding green spaces…” We all know our Greenbelt is a vital resource in achieving these aims. Given this Cllrs comments, it’s even more disappointing that he didn’t respond to our request and chose not to make a submission to protect the Greenbelt. Clearly actions speak louder than words.
Once again we would like to thank all the residents, and the 5 Cllrs. who support the Save Swords Greenbelt campaign and all our community groups who together help protect our precious Greenbelt.