102 apartments proposed for St Michael’s carpark, Dun Laoghaire

Gary Ibbotson 04 Jan 2021

Noel Smyth’s development company Fitzwilliam DL Ltd has applied for planning permission to develop apartments on the carpark behind St Michael’s Hospital in Dun Laoghaire.

The site, which is located on Crofton Road and near the town’s seafront, is currently operating as a carpark and features a two-storey dwelling.

The proposed scheme would see 102 apartments develop on the site and the demolition of the current building.

As per current legislation, which allows for developments with over 100 units skip local council approval, the project has been submitted to An Bord Pleanala for permission.

The plans show that the 102 units would be spread over two blocks – 13 storeys and nine storeys in height respectively.

The project would feature co-working/study space, a gym, games area, lounge/kitchen and additional recreational space.

A publicly accessible café would be provided at the ground of the 13 storey building while the smaller block would feature a bicycle repair station and waste and storage units.

The proposal also includes a communal open space which be located in the courtyard between the two buildings, while a public space would be provided on the northern side of the larger apartment block.

A total of 184 bicycle parking spaces would also be made available.

According to estate agent Knight Frank, architectural firm Reddy Architecture & Urbanism completed a “feasibility study” of the site.

Their report concluded that the site was well suited to apartment complexes ranging from 74 to 102 apartments in size – based on Build-to-Rent and Build-to-Sell models.

“The site is ideal for apartments. However, they must be suitable for families and the design of the complex must allow for these new residents to be fully integrated into the local community,” says councillor Michael Merrigan.

“The design of the apartments must allow for the development of a sustainable community and not a transient population like the modern-day boarding house design proposed for the nearby CBS site on Eblana Avenue.

“Dun Laoghaire Town needs to grow its population through the careful planning and development of sites like Crofton Road and the former council depot at George’s Place.”

In 2007, planning permission was sought by Smyth to develop 80 homes and two shops on the site but permission was refused by Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council.

An Bord Pleanala also refused permission after an appeal was lodged.

Last year the site was put up for sale by Fitzwilliam DL Ltd with a guide price of €6.5m. However, it appears plans to sell the site have changed.

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