Confirmation from Dublin City Council that they will not proceed with the purchase of the James Weir Home for Nurses on Cork Street in Dublin 8 from the HSE to allow it to be used for community purposes has been described as “yet another blow” for the local community.
In late 2025, Dublin City Council had stated the building was not fit for purpose to be converted into housing. However, there were still hopes locally that it could be acquired by the Council and used for community purposes.
Commenting on the decision, Councillor Ciarán Ó Meachair from Sinn Féin said, “this is yet another blow to Dublin 8. This part of Dublin is constantly crying out for more community spaces”.
“I have been informed that the decision is based on a recommendation from Dublin City Council’s property valuation team not to proceed with a purchase”.
“The HSE had been open to talking to DCC about transferring ownership, but the unfortunate reality is it’s likely to go onto the private market now unless another public body takes it”.
The decision comes just weeks after the publication of a report on the socio-economic challenges in Dublin 8 by Dr. Barra Rowntree of Trinity College which showed the area is disproportionately impacted by deprivation, low educational attainment, and a lack of physical activity due to insufficient facilities.
“The simple reality is this area needs significant investment to counter the problems we face. The Dr. Rowntree report shows this”.
“Among the groups interested in gaining use of the Weir Home were youth projects who work with vulnerable young people. The Weir Home could have been a massive boost for them.”
“The reopening of the Donore Community Centre is on track for 2027 but the reality is it isn’t big enough to cope with the demand that’s already there, much less the additional several thousand people set to move to the area in the coming years as part of the Donore Regeneration Project.”
“I would appeal to Dublin City Council to reverse the decision and to proceed with acquiring the James Weir Home for the benefit of this community”.