Demolition of Cromcastle Court only set to begin later this year

The demolition and re-development of two vacant apartment blocks in Cromcastle Court, Coolock is not set to begin until later this year, according to Dublin City Council.

The local authority was responding to a question tabled by Sinn Fein councillor Larry O’Toole when it revealed the planned schedule.

O’Toole asked the Chief Executive to “give a timeframe for the demolition of the vacant blocks.

“The units are now a source of anti-social activity and there was at least one fire incident in one of the units.”

O’Toole was referencing blocks seven and eight at Cromcastle Court which have been earmarked for demolition for some time.

In its reply, the council said that block six in the complex is also due to be demolished along with seven and eight, but the process is still in the early stages.

“Blocks seven and eight and the depot building are fully vacant,” the council said.

“Block six is expected to be fully vacant in the coming weeks.

“The tender documents for the demolition works are expected to be complete by the end of April.

“The disconnection and diversion of utility services is ongoing and this will aid the programme for demolition works once they commence,” it said.

However, demolition is only due to begin at the end of this year, after a contractor has been appointed.

“As things currently stand, the Part 8 planning application for the demolition and phase one redevelopment works has not been formally lodged,” the council said.

“It is currently envisaged that the lodgement will be made in late Q2 of this year.

“When the Part 8 is lodged, it will take up to 20 weeks to obtain a decision.

“It is proposed to run the tender competition for the demolition works in tandem with the Part 8 application so a contractor can be appointed when the approval is in place.

“The date for appointing a contractor for the demolition works is therefore expected to be in mid / late Q4 of this year.”

O’Toole said the lengthy process of demolishing and re-developing the apartment blocks is concerning due to safety risks.

“The units are now a source of anti-social activity,” he says.

“There has been at least one fire incident in recent times and I find this delay in the demolition and redevelopment unacceptable both from the point of view of the potential risks of the units being left vacant and the current urgent need for housing in the area.

“The local community of Cromcastle and the general Kilmore West area deserve better.”

In 2018, 128 apartments in the complex were structurally repaired following the discovery of cracks and movement of the communal staircase, which appeared to be coming away from the wall.

It is understood the works cost the council more than €250,000.

Overall, it is expected that 300 new apartments will be developed on the site once demolition is complete.