Councillor says locals are ‘stunned and angered’ by decision on Clonliffe College lands

A local councillor says the communities in Ballybough, Clonliffe and Drumcondra were ‘in shock today’ on hearing the news that An Bord Pleanála had granted permission for approximately 1,600 built-to-rent units on the Holycross/Clonliffe College lands on Clonliffe Road.

Local Councillor, Nial Ring, who has described the decision as an ‘absolute disgrace,’ and ‘showing total disdain’ for the Dublin City Development Plan and ‘a contemptuous disregard’ for the concerns expressed by many locals in their submissions to An Bord on the proposed development.

The Holy Cross College Strategic Housing Development (SHD), the contentious €610 million scheme proposed by the Irish arm of US property giant Hines, will consist of 540 studios, 603 one bed units, 418 two bed units and 53 three bed units.

Speaking today, Councillor Ring said:

“This monstrosity of a development, with 70% of the units being studio/one bed, will have a negative impact on the local area and community and will add nothing to the sustainability of the community but will, in fact, attract transient tenancies, ensuring the development can never become an integral part of the locality.

“It will be a private enclave owned and operated by overseas investment funds and providing good pensions for members of the Dutch pension scheme which is funding the project (looking for a start on the property ladder – not here – no locals need apply!)” he said.

“Of course, the worst part of this development, apart from some blocks overlooking and dwarfing historic protected structures, is the fact that not one local person will be able to buy an apartment there as the contemptible build-to-rent will ensure that a longer term community there will not happen” he added

“An Bord Pleanála not only ignored the vast majority of submissions which opposed the development, but also ignored the Report of the Chief Executive of Dublin City Council who, among many other comments, described the development as “alarming” and actually requested that the 18 storey block be removed entirely. It does beg the question – who runs the city?” he further added.

“To add insult to injury An Bord also communicated a point blank refusal to  the many requests for an oral hearing on the planning application, arrogantly pointing out that An Bord has “absolute discretion” on whether or not to hold an Oral Hearing and then trying  to justify the attitude by reminding us, in case we did not know, that there are “exceptional circumstances requiring urgent delivery of housing as set out in the Action Plan for Housing and Homelessness” he continued.

“We all know there is a need for housing, but not 1,600 boxes owned and operated by overseas investors  which will not add anything to the local area or community but will, in fact, take from and jeopardise the very sustainability of this great neighbourhood” he concluded.