Dún Laoghaire plans criticised by Church for blocking housing

The Archdiocese of Dublin and religious orders have criticised Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown council regarding a new plan which would limit the development of housing in the local authority area.

The Dominican Sisters said the new zoning “discriminates against religious” and was “unacceptable” in a submission to the council.

“There are 4,500 people on the housing list in this area – how can it be just or reasonable to prevent housing development on any available land,” they said.

While the sites are currently zoned for housing, this would change under the Sustainable Development Infrastructure (SNI) zoning proposed for the 2022 development plan. Under the plans, residential development would not be allowed but could be considered by the council, who would have to be satisfied there would be no “undesirable effects” as a result of construction.

According to The Irish Times, the Archdiocese of Dublin told the council: “It is possible that there may be a requirement to amalgamate parishes and close a number of churches in the future due to declining attendances and a shortage of priests,” it said. “This proposed rezoning of Roman Catholic Church sites and school land would result in considerable restrictions on permitted uses and a negative imposition on property values.”