Imagine Dundrum held our third Webinar on Tuesday, the 6^th of December. We had 58 attending, keen to hear where things stand in respect of the planning application for the old Shopping Centre, and to add to our knowledge and understanding of heritage and longterm sustainability in respect of Dundrum.

The session was opened by Nick Armstrong,a member of Imagine Dundrum,who informed us that a decision by An Bord Pleanala on the Hammerson-Allianz application is still pending, with no indication of a timeline. In the meantime, Imagine Dundrum remains committed to its vision for Dundrum, and through this webinar to explore in greater depth the topics chosen.

Our Chair for the evening was Dr. Paula Russell of the School of Archtecture, Planning and Environmental Policy, with a special interest in the role of community in planning. She was particularly positive about Imagine Dundrum’s vision and its ongoing activities in influencing the future of Dundrum village. She emphasised the importance of “placemaking”, and thinks that urban areas would benefit significantly if there were more ”fine grain plans“ providing context clarity for developers and communities.

The first presentation was by Deirdre Black, Heritage Officer with DLR County Council. She brought us speedily through 10,000 years of Dundrum’s history via a thoroughly engaging set of drawings, maps and photographs, ending with a sharp focus on Dundrum today, before finishing by identifying the outcomes likely to arise for Dundrum and its communities if certain options are adopted. Food for thought indeed.

She was followed by Dr. Philip Crowe who works in UCD, specialising in Climate Responsive design, while co-leading an EU project in Green Buildings and Neighbourhoods. He explained in simple terms what is meant by “urban resilience”, why we need it and what it’s likely to mean in practice, especially in Dundrum. His slides added considerably to our understanding of the critical nature of the issues already arising from current practices. This enhanced awareness increases the Dundrum community’s capacity to become meaningfully involved in shaping future developments.

Dr. Russell managed a lively Q and A session, putting questions and observations from attendees to the Panel for comment.

Cllr Anne Colgan, Chair of Imagine Dundrum, closed the evening, thanking the Chair and the presenters for their generosity in providing their time and considerable expertise to the Dundrum community. They have stimulated further thought on how best Dundrum Village should be developed. Their insights will also inform our engagement with DLR County Council on the draft Local Area Plan for Dundrum, due shortly.

A recording of this webinar will be posted on our website as soon as possible.

On Tuesday December 6^th from 8 pm to 9.30 pm, Imagine Dundrum will host the third in our series of webinars focusing on Dundrum’s future. Join us!

With no decision yet from An Bord Pleanála on the Hammerson-Allianz Planning Application for the core of Dundrum, we have a great opportunity to explore new ideas for the Dundrum of tomorrow with those who live and work here. Changes are certainly coming, but what changes do we want, and how can we influence the future of our home place?

This webinar will delve into two areas of vital importance for Dundrum’s future, both focusing on buildings:

* Heritage: People and Place Through Time

Deirdre Black, Heritage Officer, Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council.

We will hear about exciting new thinking and policy-making on the value for local communities of a living relationship with heritage, showing how care for and use of heritage buildings is crucial for sustainable urban development.

* Future-proof: Building a More Resilient Dundrum

Dr Philip Crowe, UCD School of Architecture, Planning and Environmental Policy will explore ways of future-proofing Dundrum by ensuring climate resilience is central to planning the urban village of tomorrow.

The webinar will run for around an hour and a half, including ample time for questions and comments from participants. All are welcome!

To register: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_QrRr0o9XSrSQNr68RMCxkw

Information and contact: Email: imaginedundrum2016@gmail.comx

And you can find us on Facebook!

Members of Imagine Dundrum and a representative of the Capital Credit Union following receipt of a cheque for 1,000 euro.