Department of Education Criticised Over Failure to Secure Planning Permission for Major South Dublin Schools Project

Proposed design view of Goatstown's future primary and post-primary school, featuring modern buildings, landscaped grounds, and sports facilities.

Goatstown, Dublin – Green Party Councillor Robert Jones has today criticised the Department of Education following Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council’s refusal of planning permission for the proposed schools on the former Irish Glass Bottle site in Goatstown.

The council’s decision, issued today, August 19th, found that the Department’s plans failed to comply with the zoning requirements for the site, which is subject to Zoning Objective ‘F’ – “To preserve and provide for open space with ancillary active recreational amenities.” Under this zoning, no more than 40% of the land may be developed with buildings and surface car parking, and the remaining 60% must be set aside for publicly accessible open space or playing fields.

Planners found the Department’s proposal allocated significantly less than the required open space, rendering the plan contrary to the County Development Plan and proper planning principles.

Councillor Jones said:

“After more than a year of repeated assessments, expensive external consultancy advice, and multiple submissions, the Department of Education has produced a plan that fails on what is arguably the most fundamental requirement of the site. The Goatstown project has trundled along at a snail's pace, costing taxpayers both time and money, and now it has fallen at a basic hurdle of zoning compliance. This raises serious concerns about whether the Department has the right staff, expertise, and processes to manage critical infrastructure projects of this scale.”

The proposed development included a 16-classroom primary school and a 1,000-pupil post-primary school, with associated infrastructure. However, the current layout leaves too little space for public recreation, failing to comply with the principle that at least 60% of the site should remain as publicly accessible open space or playing fields.

Councillor Jones added:

“This is not just about planning law. It is about competence, accountability, and proper stewardship of public funds. How can a project that passes through multiple layers of procurement, consultancy, and internal review fail on such a basic zoning requirement? The Department must urgently address these issues before further delays or waste occur.”

The failure to progress this project is particularly alarming given the extreme pressure on school places in Goatstown and the wider Dundrum and Kilmacud area. Councillor Jones is calling on the Minister for Education Helen McEntee to intervene immediately, ensure that the project is redesigned in full compliance with zoning objectives, and that sufficient resources and expertise are dedicated to delivering this critically needed school infrastructure without further delay.

“Minister, the local community cannot wait any longer. The lack of school places in this part of Dublin is a cause of huge stress and concern to families. It is time for decisive action to get this project back on track swiftly” Councillor Jones concluded.