The process for the formulation of a Strategic Framework, which marks the end of Phase 1 of the City Edge Project, comprised 3 main stages:

Stage 1: Baseline Analysis – This was undertaken for City Edge with respect to its current characteristics and performance, and its relationship to the City, Region, and Country.

Stage 2A: Scenario Testing – To determine a preferred role and trajectory for City Edge a process of scenario testing was undertaken. High-level strategic scenarios for the future of City Edge across a series of scales – Country, Region, City, Site – and roles were formulated and appraised against the emerging objectives and vision.

Stage 2B: Strategic Framework – The creation of a Strategic Framework for City Edge, building on the Preferred Scenario, setting out the high-level trajectory and role for regeneration of City Edge to create a new liveable, sustainable, regenerative and resilient urban quarter.
The City Edge Strategic Framework is the culmination of Phase 1.

To determine a direction of travel and identify an Emerging Preferred Scenario for the City Edge Lands, three high level land use and urban centre scenarios were assessed against the emerging objectives and vision for the City Edge Project Study Area as well as key constraints and opportunities identified during the Baseline Analysis.  The scenarios were:

1. Major commercial centre at a national scale;
2. Enterprise & urban industry-led mixed-use; and
3. Residential-led mixed-use.

To identify a preferred scenario, elements from each of the three scenarios were assessed against various criteria.  Those elements that performed the best were combined, to produce the Emerging Preferred Scenario.  Within this scenario, key character areas were identified including:

• A major urban centre;
• Local centres with high street activity;
• Clusters of urban-industry & workspaces;
• Areas for housing and workspace.

A four-week non-statutory public consultation on the Emerging Preferred Scenario and on accompanying documents took place from 9th September to 6th October 2021. Feedback and responses to submissions were collated under a Chief Executive’s Report that was noted by the Elected Members of South Dublin County Council and Dublin City Council in December 2021.  This helped to inform the formulation of a Strategic Framework under Stage 2B.

The City Edge Strategic Framework was noted by the Elected Members of South Dublin County Council and Dublin City Council in May and June 2022 respectively.

The purpose of the Strategic Framework is to set out a high-level approach and transformational trajectory for the regeneration of a new liveable, sustainable and climate resilient urban quarter. In summary, this non-statutory document:

• Sets out high-level strategies for the regeneration of City Edge, including an overarching vision and strategic objectives;
• Proposes the delivery of strategic infrastructure including streets, parks, public transport and utilities;
• Outlines a series of priority actions in the areas of legislation, policy, funding and infrastructure to facilitate the future development of City Edge;
• Seeks the support of government departments and state agencies including alignment of relevant policies and programmes and allocation of funding in order to deliver the City Edge vision; and
• Provides a context for the preparation of a statutory plan to provide more detailed guidance for the future development of the area

The Strategic Framework does not represent a plan or framework for development consent and will be followed by a more comprehensive Statutory Plan under Phase 2 of the City Edge Project, which will guide development at a finer level of detail.