CHERRYWOOD (DÚN LAOGHAIRE–RATHDOWN)

Cherrywood (Dún Laoghaire–Rathdown) is Ireland’s largest Strategic Development Zone (SDZ), planned as a new mixed-use urban district with over 8,000 homes, a major town centre, employment space, and integrated public transport at the edge of south Dublin. Cherrywood SDZ covers about 360 hectares between the M50 and N11, designated by the government in 2010 as a nationally significant growth area for Dún Laoghaire–Rathdown County. The planning and delivery are led by Dún Laoghaire–Rathdown County Council through an SDZ Planning Scheme, working with multiple landowners and developers to create a new urban quarter at the foothills of the Dublin Mountains.

The SDZ is master‑planned for more than 8,000 new homes and a population of over 25,000 residents, alongside a new retail‑focused town centre, three village centres, six schools, three large parks and extensive greenways, all served by four Luas (light‑rail) stops. Strategic phasing in the Planning Scheme requires key infrastructure roads, parks, school sites, and sustainable transport links to be delivered in step with housing, so that new communities move into fully serviced neighbourhoods. Early phases have already delivered over 1,600 homes, major parks such as Tully, Ticknick, and Beckett, and active travel routes and crèches.

Future Cities criteria compliance

Environmental & Nature

The SDZ Planning Scheme explicitly prioritises sustainable communities, with a “10‑minute neighbourhood” concept so most daily needs are reachable on foot or by bike, and with strong emphasis on public transport over private car use.

Green infrastructure is central: three major parks, local pocket parks, greenways, and integration with existing landscape and streams support biodiversity, recreation and climate resilience. Infrastructure‑first phasing, sustainable drainage, and high standards for new buildings make Cherrywood a national exemplar for low‑carbon greenfield development.

Smart City

Cherrywood is conceived as a highly connected business and residential district, located on the Luas Green Line with fast access to the M50, N11, and Dublin city. Digital and smart‑city tools support energy, mobility, and building performance, and town‑centre schemes are being planned to high sustainability and wellbeing standards, including WELL Community registration for Cherrywood Town Centre.

Human-Centric

Cherrywood is planned as a place where people can “live, work, learn and play” close to home, with homes of different tenures, schools, childcare, health, and community facilities embedded into walkable neighbourhoods.

The Planning Scheme has been developed and updated through extensive public and stakeholder engagement, and Dún Laoghaire–Rathdown continues to consult on town‑centre and environs plans to make sure the new district responds to residents’ needs over time.

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