Poolbeg plan is good news in housing battle

A MAJOR planning application for Poolbeg that was given the green light last week has been described as “good news” for those struggling with a lack of housing on the Southside.

The has been a broad welcome for the new development plan on the Poolbeg peninsula that will see hundreds of social and affordable homes built as part of a wider housing plan.

Last week Dublin City Council welcomed the decision of An Bord Pleanala to approve planning for the development known as Poolbeg West that is earmarked for the old Irish Glass Bottle site and a smaller plot known as the Fabriza site, which together comprise 15 hectares. 

The scheme provides for a new neighbourhood of up to 3,500 homes close to the heart of the city and will include new public open spaces, including a coastal park and a range of supporting community facilities as well as new schools.

 The Chief Executive, Owen Keegan, in welcoming the decision of the Board, said:

“The development will transform this brownfield site into a vibrant city neighbourhood and will greatly help alleviate our housing crisis, noting that the plan provides for a wide range of apartments, associated employment and a neighbourhood centre.”

 “Dublin City Council, as the designated Development Agency is committed to implementing this scheme to ensure it becomes a successful new part of our city.”

Local Sinn Féin Councillor for Ringsend, Chris Andrews, also welcomed planning permission for the development of the new homes on what is known as the Poolbeg Peninsula Glass Bottle Site.

Cllr Andrews said: “The prospect of 25 per cent of these new homes being social and affordable homes is welcome.

“This is good news for individuals and families struggling with lack of housing in the Ringsend community and beyond.

“While this is announcement is welcome, it creates new challenges which we face as a community,” Cllr Andrews added. “We must ensure that the infrastructure goes in so the existing community in Ringsend is not overwhelmed with traffic or pressure on local services.

“We must also ensure that the social and affordable homes are fast tracked to ensure that the local community has the housing pressures resolved.”

Senator Kevin Humphreys, the Labour Spokesperson on Transport, Tourism and Sport, called on Minister Eoghan Murphy to expedite the commitment of funding for the social and affordable homes included in the plan. 

Senator Humphreys said: “I welcome the news today that An Bord Pleanála has approved the construction of 3,500 housing units in Poolbeg West, with the consolidation of social and affordable units within the development. 

“I also welcome that this decision has laid down controls on the build to rent model. This development will allow a sustainable community to grow up just 25 minutes outside of the City Centre.

“Dublin City should always be maintained as a place for people to work and live. Such developments will contribute to that.”

The Senator added: “I am calling on the Minister to immediately provide the necessary funding for the social and affordable homes and to fast track this most desperately needed housing development for Dublin City South.”

 Sinn Féin’s Housing spokesperson, Eoin Ó Broin also welcomed the decision by An Bord Pleanala that 25 per cent of the Poolbeg SDZ will be made available for social and affordable housing. 

Deputy Ó Broin said: “Today’s decision by An Bord Pleanala that 25 per cent of the Poolbeg Strategic Development Zone must be for social and affordable housing is welcome.

 “After years of hard campaigning the Glass Bottle Site Action Group and the wider community in Ringsend have ensured that a greater volume of social and affordable housing must be delivered on this site.

“While the original wording of the SDZ plan as agreed by Dublin City Council was stronger than the change recommended by an Board Pleanala, their insistence of a 25 per cent social and affordable requirement is still a real victory for the local community. This will ensure that 875 social and affordable homes will be delivered.

“Now that the planning process is complete, the ball is firmly in Minister Eoghan Murphy’s court.

“It is he and his Department that can ensure the affordable units are delivered at genuinely affordable price.

“The Minister must now sit down with Dublin City Council and the local community.”