LDA acquires strategic lands in Dublin and Meath with potential for approximately 3,000 homes

The Land Development Agency (LDA) has today announced the acquisition of 108.5 hectares (268 acres) of lands at Kilmartin, Dublin 15 and Calliaghwee, Co. Meath.

The greenfield lands span the Fingal and Meath local authority areas with approximately 85.7 ha (212 acre) located in the Fingal County Council administrative area and 22.8 ha (56 acre) located in the Meath County Council administrative area.

They are located in close proximity to established residential and employment areas and are close to existing bus services as well as the Dunboyne commuter rail line.

The LDA says this “significant acquisition” strengthens their total pipeline capacity to deliver quality housing over the long term.

Initial studies commissioned by the LDA indicate that the lands could accommodate c3,000 homes, along with commercial space and community amenities.

Any development would be subject to rezoning, detailed masterplanning, infrastructure provision, environmental assessment and statutory planning approval.

The newly acquired lands have significant housing potential and provide the LDA with an opportunity to take a coordinated, long-term and infrastructure-led approach to their development.

The Agency will now undertake further feasibility and masterplanning work.

The LDA says it will engage with all relevant stakeholders as the plans for the lands progress.

The lands were acquired through the LDA’s strategic land acquisition programme, which complements the Agency’s work on State-owned land.

The programme is focused on securing a long-term pipeline of well-located land capable of supporting future housing delivery.

To date, the Agency has purchased ten significant privately-owned landbanks including sites at:

Clongriffin and Baldoyle;

Jamestown in Finglas;

The Royal Liver site on the Naas Road;

Cookstown in Tallaght;

Cherrywood in south Dublin,

Swords; and

Celbridge, Co Kildare.

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne TD said: “The Government expanded the LDA’s remit to ensure it could pursue opportunities such as this, bringing forward much-needed housing on privately owned land alongside its existing work on public sites.

“By applying its proven delivery model to this site, the Agency will help meet housing demand in a high-growth area while adding further momentum to an already strong development pipeline.”

Phelim O’Neill, Director of Development of the Land Development Agency, said: “This is a significant strategic acquisition for the LDA and creates an opportunity for us to be a positive catalyst for residential-led delivery in a rapidly growing area of Dublin.

“The scale and location of the lands mean a coordinated and collaborative approach must be taken to ensure we are delivering not just homes but a thriving, well-served community.

“We look forward to working with the relevant local authorities, infrastructure providers, local communities and neighbouring landowners to develop a clear and ambitious plan for the area to support its phased growth.”