Mac Donncha calls for improvements in Belmayne and Clongriffin area

Sinn Féin councillor Micheál Mac Donncha has called on the government to support developments in the Clongriffin and Belmayne community.

At this weeks meeting of the North Central Area Committee, a report presented to Dublin City Council members gave an update on Land Development Agency purchasing a 13.2 hectare site at Clongriffin.

The purchase, which was completed in late 2023, has the potential to deliver anywhere from 1800 to 2300 homes.

However, the report went into detail about how basic amenities such as a library and other community facilities have yet to be delivered for the area.

Mac Donncha said that pressure needs to put on central government to improve conditions in the area.

The report highlighted that the average household size in the area is 2.83, well above the Dublin City Council average of 2.48.

The Donaghmede councillor said “this report is hugely significant in describing Clongriffin and Belmayne as they are today, identifying needs and mapping out routes to deliver essential improvements and vital facilities for the area.”

“We need to see progress on taking in charge of public spaces, the development of the promised library and other community facilities. I see the report as positive in its practical plans to develop these community and civic facilities.”

He said that the report provides a clear roadmap, and now the government needs to take action. 

In the report, it was noted that just 28% of homes in the area are owner-occupied, 31% rent from approved housing bodies and 20% rent from a private landlord.

Mac Donncha commented “the tenure mix statistics are no surprise. This is a direct result of the refusal of successive governments, including the present one, to put in place truly affordable schemes for purchase and rental of homes by those above the social housing income threshold. This is deliberate policy, not some accident.”

“The report contains proposals to address the tenure mix issue by developing affordable homes. This will require direct support from central government and that is where we must direct our pressure to achieve it.”

He noted that discussion of Belmayne and Clongriffin should serve as a unifying force in the community. 

“The whole community, whatever type of housing they live in, needs to be united and working together to improve the area, and the same can be said of the public representatives.

“The implementation group in the Council, which is tasked to deliver this plan, will be reporting regularly to the North Central Area Committee. Community participation will be vital and must be built into the process all along the line.”