LAUGHANSTOWN LANE

LAUGHANSTOWN LANE

When I explored Laughanstown Lane it 2011 it was likely that most Dubliners did not know of place and if they saw the name they would have assumed that it was a misspelling of Loughlinstown [which is nearby]. To add to the confusion the tram stop was/is Laughanstown but the laneway leading to Tully Church was/is Lehaunstown.

In September in 2011 Laughanstown Lane could be best described as a narrow rural lane serving the needs of local farms and a few homes. There were many signs of illegal dumping many of the fields contained industrial waste and even abandoned farm machinery.

At the end of the lane there was an isolated area with a restricted access bridge and many ESB pylons and unattractive buildings. My understanding is that the area has been redeveloped into a welcoming public park with modern amenities.

Upon researching the status of Laughanstown Lane and the surrounding area in 2011, it becomes clear that it was a time of significant transition and uncertainty. The area was earmarked for major redevelopment as part of the Cherrywood Strategic Development Zone (SDZ), a large-scale project aimed at creating a new urban centre in South Dublin.

In 2011, the Cherrywood SDZ was still in its early stages, with many plans and proposals under discussion and review. However, the global financial crisis of 2008 had significantly impacted the Irish property market, leading to a slowdown in construction and investment. This economic downturn likely contributed to the abandoned construction sites, industrial waste, and overall sense of stagnation I observed in Laughanstown Lane at the time.

The following points highlight the key factors influencing the area in 2011:

Cherrywood SDZ Planning: The planning process for the Cherrywood SDZ was complex and lengthy, involving multiple stakeholders and regulatory bodies. This led to delays and uncertainty regarding the timeline and specifics of the redevelopment.

Economic Downturn: The financial crisis caused a significant decline in property values and investment, making it difficult for developers to secure funding and proceed with projects. This resulted in stalled or abandoned construction sites and a general sense of economic hardship.

Land Ownership and Transactions: It is highly probable that land parcels in the area were sold and resold multiple times during this period. As economic conditions fluctuated, developers and investors may have struggled to maintain ownership or find suitable partners to proceed with development plans.

Environmental Concerns: The illegal dumping and presence of industrial waste you observed highlight the environmental challenges associated with such large-scale redevelopment projects. These issues likely contributed to delays and further complicated the planning process.

Community Impact: The residents of Laughanstown Lane and surrounding areas likely experienced significant disruption and uncertainty during this time. The stalled development plans and environmental issues would have impacted their quality of life and created a sense of unease about the future of their community.

It is important to note that the Cherrywood SDZ has since progressed, with significant development taking place in recent years. However, the challenges and complexities faced in 2011 highlight the long-term impact of economic downturns on large-scale urban redevelopment projects.