The Strategic Development Zone (SDZ) lands at Cherrywood, covering approximately 360 hectares, are located within the administrative area of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown. These lands represent the largest undeveloped land bank in the county and one of the most significant undeveloped areas within the Dublin Metropolitan Area. The Cherrywood SDZ is strategically positioned, approximately 16km southeast of Dublin City Centre, 8km south of Dún Laoghaire, 3 km from the coastline, and 4 km from the Dublin Mountains.
The Cherrywood TCC3 Masterplan outlines a vision for the coordinated development of Superblock TCC3 of the Cherrywood Planning Scheme. This proposed scheme is designed to establish distinct character areas, featuring a civic square, a vibrant retail high street and a dedicated residential square. Central to the urban design is a high- quality public realm that prioritises pedestrians and cyclists, creating a welcoming environment in which building frontages and street-wall continuity are carefully managed to define the unique identity of each outdoor space.
Key community features, including a new library, a supermarket anchor, and diverse retail and leisure opportunities, are thoughtfully woven into the site's fabric. A notable aspect of the masterplan is its seamless connection to the Bride’s Glen Luas stop via a prominent central civic square, fostering a transit-oriented lifestyle and reinforcing a commitment to sustainable transport. To further facilitate this pedestrian-oriented scheme, a potential link bridge is envisioned to connect the retail high street and the neighbouring TCC1. This proposal envisions a dynamic urban environment with building heights ranging from 3 to 14 storeys, designed to reflect Amendment 11 of the Cherrywood Planning Scheme.
Designated as a Strategic Development Zone by the Government in May 2010, Cherrywood offers significant potential for development. The SDZ lands are situated between the N11 and M50, benefiting from strong road network connections. Additionally, there are five Luas stops within the SDZ area— Carrickmines, Brennanstown, Laughanstown, Cherrywood, and Brides Glen—and Cherrywood is also well-served by Dublin Bus, further enhancing its accessibility.
The SDZ planning process is set out in Sections 165 to 171 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 – 2011 which provides that a Planning Scheme is prepared by a Development Agency specified by the Government, indicating the types of development that may be permitted within an SDZ.
If planning applications are in accordance with the adopted Scheme, they must be granted by the Planning Authority subject to conditions and the applicant/developer may proceed with the proposed development. If a planning application is not consistent with the Planning Scheme, it must be refused by the Planning Authority. Submissions / observations may be made by the public to planning applications within the Planning Scheme boundary, however, it should be noted that there is no provision for appeals to An Bord Pleanála by any parties.