Concerns raised after work at Coolock housing project is paused 

Concerns have been raised after work on the affordable housing project at the Oscar Traynor Road was stopped following the discovery of site defects.  

The development, spearheaded by private developer Glenveagh, is one of the largest housing projects in Ireland, with plans for over 850 homes.   

However, work has now paused after the devleoper failed to comply with building regulations and several defects were identified.  

A report to Dublin City Council revealed that the Building Control Authority identified significant issues during inspections, raising concerns over how the construction was being carried out.  

“The works were not progressing in a workmanlike manner in accordance with the requirements of the building regulations,” the report stated.   

“It is essential that where defects are identified that they are dealt with with promptly and comprehensively.”  

The housing scheme, which will consist of a mix of social housing (40%), cost-rental (40%), and affordable purchase (20%), has already faced criticism over escalating costs, with some three-bedroom homes priced at €475,000.  

Social Democrats TD Rory Hearne, who represents Dublin North-West, said the revelations raised “serious questions” about both Glenveagh’s practices and Dublin City Council’s oversight.  

“It is deeply concerning to learn that delivery of homes at Oscar Traynor Woods could be delayed after a number of non-compliance issues were identified during inspections,” Deputy Hearne said.   

“It is not yet clear how remedial works will impact the timeline for completion.”  

Deputy Hearne also pointed to deeper issues with the project’s structure.   

“This scheme was flawed from the outset,” he said.  

“While presented by the previous government as a flagship affordable housing scheme, it has turned out to be anything but affordable.”  

Drawing comparisons to the defective homes built during the Celtic Tiger era, Hearne warned: “We cannot afford to go down that road again.”  

Labour Party Group Leader on Dublin City Council, Councillor Darragh Moriarty, who raised the report at the recent monthly Dublin City Council meeting, described the situation as a “failure to meet basic building standards” on a critical housing site.  

“This is one of the largest housing projects in the country, intended to deliver much-needed affordable homes in the middle of a housing crisis,” he said.   

“The fact that inadequate building standards were not flagged until DCC Building Control intervened raises serious questions about Glenveagh’s supervision.”  

Moriarty also criticized the lack of transparency.   

“The public only became aware of this issue because it was leaked,” he said.  

“That’s unacceptable for a project of this scale.   

“Every home must meet the highest quality standards.   

“Anything less is an insult to the thousands of families waiting for housing.”  

Councillor Moriarty also called on Dublin City Council to clarify the extent of the defects and provide assurances that every measure will be taken to ensure the project is brought back on track without compromising on  

quality.   

“I have asked Council management how concerned they are about these issues and whether the supervision by Glenveagh prior to inspections was inadequate,” he said.  

“Developers must be held to account.   

“These homes need to be built properly, without cutting corners, and we must have full transparency on how this situation will be resolved.  

“This project is vital, but it must be delivered to the highest possible standards.   

“The Labour Party will continue to press for accountability and oversight to ensure no further delays and no compromise on quality.   

“We must get this right and ensure solutions are found in a timely manner, so families can move into safe, affordable homes as soon as possible.”  

Local Independent Left Councillor John Lyons also expressed deep concerns about the scale of the defects and called for a detailed report from Dublin City Council.  

“We need a lot more information to restore confidence and trust that the homes delivered through this Public-Private Partnership are structurally sound and of the highest standard,” Cllr Lyons said.  

He demanded clarity on the number and nature of the defects, as well as the remedial actions required.   

“How has it happened so early in the construction of this development that serious issues regarding a failure to adhere to regulations have occurred?”  

Lyons also questioned the site’s supervision and management.   

“We need to know why these defects occurred and what measures are being put in place to prevent further issues,” he said.  

In response, Glenveagh Properties said in a statement:  

“No homes in this development have been completed yet, as construction works are still at an early stage.  

“Each of the homes will be completed to the high standards that are rightly expected of us.  

“We have provided detailed responses to the council’s requests for information and are committed to resolving any issues arising from these requests to the satisfaction of all parties.”