DUBLIN City Council is being called on to ensure a site in the area is used for social and affordable housing and not student units.
Green Party representative in Cabra, Neasa Hourigan, says the former 'Matt’s of Cabra' site could accommodate almost 50 family size units if built to a three-storey level.
The site was put up for sale last month but permission has already been granted for up to 250 student accommodation units on the 1.21 acres.
“While Cabra is the next stop on the Luas line from Grangegorman almost 3,500 student units have been built in Dublin over the last year and that number is likely to double in the coming months,” said Ms Hourigan.
“Recent activism by students has highlighted the high rents and profit margins resulting from these types of developments which can cost up to €1,500 per month.
“Cabra desperately needs family housing and this site would be an inexcusable, lost opportunity to provide that to people who are increasingly being pushed out of the area.”
The planned development would provide accommodation for students in both the DIT Grangegorman and DCU campuses.
Developers believe it will alleviate pressure on the private rental sector in the Cabra area and free up local family accommodation currently being used by students.
The vacant site has been subject to serious anti-social behaviour for years and has been targeted by illegal dumping and joyriders.
An Bord Pleanála has granted permission for the proposed development for student accommodation.
Last month property agents CBRE was instructed to put the site on the market, with a guide price of €6 million.
According to CBRE, a feasibility study has been prepared for site showing the potential for a 140 unit Build to Rent scheme with ancillary residential amenities.
It also says a feasibility study has been carried out for a Co-Living scheme, showing the potential for over 250 bed spaces. Both schemes would be subject to new planning permission.