Exciting news has arrived as planning permission has been granted for more than 540 homes on the former St Teresa’s Garden site in Dublin’s south inner city. An Bord Pleanála has given the long-awaited green light for a mix of 543 social and affordable homes.
The St Teresa’s Gardens complex, which is located near the Coombe Hospital and South Circular Road, was built in the 1930s. Unfortunately, it experienced serious decline from the late 1970s due to various social, economic, and environmental factors. However, Dublin City Council demolished the last remaining block of flats in 2016. A previous plan to regenerate the area through a public-private partnership fell through in 2009 due to the recession.
Now, a joint venture between Dublin City Council and the Land Development Agency (LDA), known as the Donore Project, will transform the site. The development will deliver 154 social and 389 cost-rental homes, with a total of over 3,500 homes already approved on various State-owned sites. The site covers 4.3 acres and the new homes will be located next to the council’s own development of 54 social homes on Margaret Kennedy Road, which were also built on part of the former St Teresa’s Gardens lands.
The development includes a variety of accommodation types, ranging from one-bedroom apartments to three-bedroom apartments. In addition to providing much-needed homes, the approved plans feature arts, culture, and community spaces, such as a creche, café/retail unit, and mobility hub. Public open spaces and recreational facilities will also be incorporated into the design.
To address concerns from local residents, the design of the development was scaled down. The maximum height was reduced from 22 storeys to 15 storeys, and around 100 fewer homes than originally planned will be built. The site is situated near the former Player Wills cigarette factory and Bailey Gibson packaging plant on the South Circular Road.
John Coleman, Chief Executive of the LDA, expressed his delight at the news, stating that it will significantly contribute to the LDA’s growing delivery pipeline. He thanked Dublin City Council for their partnership and looked forward to the commencement of construction. Dave Dinnigan, Dublin City Council’s Director of Housing Delivery, also welcomed the planning decision, recognizing the collaboration between the LDA and DCC in reaching this important milestone.
This green light is a beacon of hope for the former St Teresa’s Gardens site, promising a brighter future filled with high-quality homes and a revitalized community.
