Council unveils ambitious €1bn housing plan

SOUTH Dublin County Council has unveiled proposals that could deliver up to 4,500 new homes under an ambitious €1 billion housing plan.

At last week’s meeting of the council, details were revealed of several projects across the Southside that includes the 2,600 new homes earmarked for the recently approved Clonburris SDZ scheme.

Also considered at the meeting are the 1,000 new homes at Kilcarbery in Clondalkin; the 500 new homes in Killinarden, Tallaght; 250 new homes in Rathcoole and a further 150 new homes at Belgard Road, Tallaght.

It is expected that over 70 per cent of the 4,500 homes will be delivered as either social or affordable housing.

The €1 billion investment is part of the council’s plans for building new homes across the Southside over the coming years as part of its commitment to the Government’s overall Rebuilding Ireland programme. 

The final breakdown of the five mixed-tenure developments will be decided on the final master plans approved for each site and on the Government’s affordable housing scheme.

The schemes will be delivered in the coming years through a combination of traditional design and build and joint venture solutions.

The majority of the new homes, the 2,600 in Clonburris, are part of the Clonburris Strategic Development Zone that was approved by An Bord Pleanála in May.

The lands that have been designated by the Government as a Major Urban Housing Development Site comprise approximately 280 hectares. Located between the established communities of Lucan, Clondalkin and Liffey Valley the new development could provide homes for a population of over 21,000.

The approved Planning Scheme will include the provision of three primary and three post-primary schools. Approximately 72 per cent of the housing will be located within 500 metres of schools.

It is estimated that approximately 98 per cent of residents will be able to access a bus stop within 400 metres or train station within 800 metres, thereby significantly reducing dependence on private car.

 The lands will be serviced by two train stations at Kishoge and Clondalkin/Fonthill, approximately a 15-minute train journey from Dublin City Centre. Three regional roads, including the Outer Ring Road, connect the lands to the N4 and N7 National Routes.

The council also approved the construction of 41 new social homes at St Mark’s Avenue, Clondalkin at the meeting.

The development will include nine bungalows that will be designated specifically for older person’s housing.

The proposed social housing development will be built at undeveloped lands off St Mark’s Avenue, St Mark’s Grove, and Rowlagh Crescent, situated in St Mark’s Estate, Clondalkin.

This followed an extensive public consultation period that saw the plans revised following extensive feedback from the public. 

The development is also expected to provide the opportunity to deliver further enhancement to the areas to address issues such as security.

Meanwhile, turning the nearby open space into a more usable area for children and further residents of the area was also considered as part of the plan.