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Sir John Rogerson reclaimed the land comprising the Grand Canal Dock Area following the construction of the south wall along the Liffey between 1717 and 1727. Since then the area has acquired a predominately industrial character as the area became largely used by two industries - flour milling and gas production. The latter has led to a significant area of contaminated land. Bottle-making, sugar refining and the production of chemical fertiliser have also been important to the area over the years. The GCD contains a number of protected structures of architectural significance, mainly relating to this industrial heritage.
The Grand Canal Dock Area is comprised of the land surrounding the inner and outer basins of the GCD. It covers 72.1 acres while the basins themselves cover another 22.3 acres. Much of the land fronts either the Liffey, the basins or the River Dodder so water bodies could be considered its dominating features. The Area is well connected to the city with the DART line stopping at its southern edge and Pearse Street offering a strong east-west axis. The proposed Macken Street and pedestrian bridges will improve its linkage with the north of the city.
On the 8th of March 2000 the Minister for the Environment & Local Government specified by order, under Section 25 of the Dublin Docklands Development Authority Act 1997, the Grand Canal Dock Area as an area for which the Authority may prepare a Planning Scheme.
A Planning Scheme offers a fast-track route through the planning system, greatly speeding up what can otherwise be a lengthy and often tortuous process. It consists of a written statement and plan indicating the manner in which the Authority considers the Area should be redeveloped and includes the following:
- The nature and extent of proposed development
- The proposed distribution and location of uses
- Proposals in relation to overall design of the development
- Proposals relating to the development of amenities and the conservation of architectural heritage
- Proposals relating to transportation and parking.
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