Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown votes to formally adopt Cherrywood Town Centre plan, unlocking Ireland’s largest new community

Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown votes to formally adopt Cherrywood Town Centre plan, unlocking Ireland’s largest new community

Amendment No. 11 to the Cherrywood Strategic Development Zone Planning Scheme — covering the Town Centre and Environs — has been formally adopted by Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, completing the statutory process for a new town of 10,500 homes supporting 26,000 people.

The vote, taken at a Special Meeting of the Council this evening, concludes a statutory process that began with public display of the proposed amendment in November 2025 and included two rounds of public consultation. The adopted amendment introduces a new Urban Design Code for the town centre, increases flexibility for developers while protecting key infrastructure requirements, and makes provision for 22,000 local jobs.

“Cherrywood is a landmark strategic development for Dublin and for Ireland. Tonight’s vote gives it the planning certainty it needs to move from vision to reality. We are talking about a genuinely planned new town — 10,500 homes, 26,000 people, 22,000 jobs — integrated with world-class transport and community infrastructure.”

Councillor Eoin O’Driscoll, Fine Gael, Stillorgan LEA

Among the most significant provisions enabled by the amended scheme is the potential for Ireland’s first purpose-built winter sports and entertainment arena. Councillor O’Driscoll, who has been a consistent advocate for the Cherrywood scheme, highlighted the arena as a major national asset that would draw visitors from across the island.

“It is particularly exciting that tonight’s decision could facilitate the delivery of Ireland’s first purpose-built winter sports and entertainment arena. This is an ambitious project that will be a major national asset, attracting visitors from across Ireland and beyond to Cherrywood and to Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown.”

Councillor Eoin O’Driscoll

The Cherrywood SDZ, located in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown, is designated as Ireland’s largest Strategic Development Zone. Eoin O’Driscoll is a Fine Gael Councillor and represents the Stillorgan Local Electoral Area.

ENDS