The Dublin Docklands Development Authority has placed a €4.5 billion plan for the further development of the area on display for public consultation.
The master plan, which covers the period 2008 to 2013, envisages further growth in housing, offices and retail facilities in the docklands, as well as an extension of public transport and the creation of new tourist attractions.
In spite of massive development in recent years, the DDDA believes there are still significant individual sites and lands which have potential for further development. It has earmarked parts of the docklands for high-rise development, including up to eight 20-storey towers.
The authority says a policy of higher density development will be pursued in locations which are public transport interchanges or are well served by a combination of public transport infrastructure. Developers would be required to meet architectural conditions and provide facilities for the local community before going ahead with the schemes.
It also proposes to extend the areas of section 25 planning schemes, which do not go through the normal planning process and are subject instead to the final approval of the Minister for Environment.
The Docklands have the potential to become one of the great living urban environments of Europe, according to the DDDA, which is also proposing measures to make the area more family-friendly, such as requiring developers to provide play spaces along with their buildings.
The plan is available for inspection at the DDDA's former offices on Custom House Quay until August 1st. It is also going on travelling display in seven locations around the docklands between now and the start of July; further information is available on
www.dublindocklands.ie
