Controversial Shankill SHD may get the go ahead without councillor vote

A controversial Strategic Housing Development (SHD) in south Dublin might be getting the go ahead after Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council said a councillor vote may not be required for the disposal of public lands.

Last year, ABP granted permission to Cairn Homes to construct 193 build-to-rent apartments on lands beside Clifton Park housing estate in Shankill.

However, the progress of the project is dependent on if Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council agreed to sell land to the developer – which is the only public access point into the site.

In order for the sale to go ahead, the local authority said approval was needed from local councillors and the motion would be put forward to a vote.

The council said in a letter of consent, that the “grant of a Right-of-Way over council owned lands is a reserved function in accordance with the provisions of the Local Government Act, 2001 and accordingly it is an act that may only be performed and exercised directly by the elected members of the county council and by resolution at a meeting thereof.”

However, the council has now backtracked on its decision saying that councillor approval may not be required for the disposal of the lands.

Independent councillor Hugh Lewis says that local residents are “outraged” by the development.

“The management are now saying that although it was stated by themselves that this would require a vote, they are now considering granting this right of way to the developer (Cairn) without the need for such a vote (Section 183),” he said.

“This has happened after Cairn got their own legal advice to pressure the council management.

“The disposal would allow Cairn provide a vehicle entrance and without the public land, the developer would have to go back to the drawing board as the site is effectively land locked without it.”

Lewis says that build-to-rent aspect of the scheme is “highly controversial” and the height of project – reaching up to eight storeys – has been severely criticised by locals.

“The residents are outraged by this development,” he says.

“It was opposed by the residents as it is eight storeys high and transforms a quiet cul-de-sac into an entrance for these apartments.”

Lewis says that there is “overwhelming opposition from the local community” to the development and residents will “come together and get organised,” to fight the proposal.

In a statement, Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council said: “Cairn Homes Properties Limited has requested the council grant rights-of-way over council lands to access its site at Abingdon, Shankill, Dublin 18, for the purpose of developing the Strategic Housing Development granted by An Bord Pleanala on February 11, 2021.

“Briefing sessions have been held with local elected members and the council is currently considering all aspects of this request. We will not be making further comment at this time.”