Stepaside Golf Centre Rezoning: Housing Crisis vs. Local Amenities
A significant conflict has emerged in south Dublin as the Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council proposes a redesignation of lands at the Stepaside Golf Centre. The proposal aims to shift the land from its current agricultural and amenity zoning to a “long-term strategic and sustainable settlement” to facilitate future housing development.
The Push for Housing Capacity
The move comes following a directive from Minister for Housing James Browne last summer, who mandated that local authorities rezone substantial additional land to combat the national housing crisis. As part of this effort, the council is proposing Variation No. 1 to the County Development Plan 2022 – 2028, which targets several sites across south Dublin to increase housing capacity.
Local Opposition and Owner’s Stance
The proposal has met with strong resistance from both the facility’s owner and the local community. The owner of the Stepaside Golf Centre has stated they have “no intention” of redeveloping the lands and explicitly oppose the rezoning, noting that the site was a family farm.
Residents have described the council’s plans as “shameful” and an “outrage,” arguing that the move shows an “abhorrent disregard” for local amenities and threatens to destroy the area’s fabric. Key concerns raised by the community include:
- Loss of Green Space: The golf centre is viewed as a cherished recreational haven and community landmark.
- Urban Density: Critics argue that rezoning will increase urban density and reduce vital recreational areas.
- Infrastructure Strain: There are significant concerns regarding traffic congestion and whether existing infrastructure can support high-density housing.
- Environmental Impact: Opponents highlight the negative impact on environmental sustainability.
Public Response and Submissions
The level of local opposition is reflected in the volume of public feedback. More than 600 submissions have been made regarding the proposed amendments to various locations. approximately two-thirds of these submissions are objections specifically targeting the potential housing at the Stepaside golf facilities. The public was invited to submit their objections by midnight on January 26, 2026.
Key Takeaways
- The Proposal: Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council seeks to rezone Stepaside Golf Centre lands for future housing.
- The Driver: A government mandate from Minister James Browne to increase housing land to tackle the housing crisis.
- The Conflict: The landowner and local residents oppose the move, citing the importance of preserving green spaces and community amenities.
- The Scale: A majority of the 600+ public submissions on the plan amendments were objections to this specific site.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the council proposing to rezone the golf centre?
The council is acting on an edict from the Minister for Housing to identify and rezone additional land to help meet housing targets and address the housing crisis.
Does the owner wish to sell the land to developers?
No. The owner has stated they have no intention of redeveloping the lands and do not want them rezoned.
What is the current zoning of the Stepaside Golf Centre?
The lands are currently zoned for agriculture and amenity use.
As the council weighs the urgent need for housing against the preservation of community green spaces, the outcome of Variation No. 1 will serve as a critical indicator of how Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown balances urban growth with environmental and social sustainability.