This study investigates the criteria necessary for the development of sustainable communities in Irish urban areas from the perspectives of local residents, key actors and planning policies. The understanding of a sustainable community that underpins this study engages with the complexities of sustainability and sustainable community development (SCD), in which there are often contested views. The literature suggests that differing, and at times conflicting, views of SCD, are held by international and national bodies. This research provides a working definition of sustainable community development and outlines the criteria which a community must reach in order to be deemed successfully sustainable. It is unique in identifying a 'true' definition of SCD based on bottom-up dialogue with community members in two case study areas, located in urban Ireland, using anonymous surveys. This qualitative bounded case study which investigates the ‘true’ definition of SCD in Irish urban areas is scaffolded by three key pillars: the voice of current academic literature; the voice of international and Government policies; and the voice of the local residents. Firstly, the study provides an insight into how current literature has shaped the understanding of SCD, with particular attention paid to the criteria identified within such policies in order for sustainable development to occur. Secondly, an in-depth analysis of the current policies pertaining to sustainable development and sustainable community development across different spatial scales, i.e.: international, national and regional, is undertaken to provide a contextualisation of this research within policy circles. Finally, the perspective of the local resident on the criteria which make their community sustainable is investigated, with attention paid to their lived experience.