North Wall Planning Matters – February 2022

LOCATION OF PLANNING APPLICATION:

‘Dublin Arch’, on a site adjacent to Connolly Station, Sheriff Street Lower, Dublin 1, D01 V6V6, known locally as the The Fast-Track site.

KEY POINTS OF THE PLANNING APPLICATION:

–        The proposed development relates to work to a Protected Structure.

–        The development will consist of 4x Office Blocks, ranging in height of between 12 and 16 storeys.

–        Construction of 187 apartments across two development blocks, comprising;

o   62x apartments in Block C, including:

§  10x Studio apartments

§  14x 1 Bedroom apartments

§  35x 2 Bedroom apartments

§  3x 3 Bedroom apartments

o   125x apartments in Block D, including:

§  40x Studio apartments

§  30x 1 Bedroom apartments

§  55x 2 Bedroom apartments

–        Blocks C and D will range in height of between 5 and 15 storeys.

–        Two storey car park including 206x car parking spaces.

–        1047 bicycle parking spaces are to be provided.

–        Modifications to the wall fronting Oriel Street Upper to facilitate:

o   The development of a new pedestrian entrance to the site;

o   The development of a vehicular entrance to the proposed car parking area; and

o   The development of a service/ emergency vehicular access only ramp to serve CIE’s transport needs at Connolly Station;

PLANNING APPLICATION REFERENCE NUMBER:

The Reference Number for this Planning Application is 3054/22.

This planning application was lodged on January 13th last. Should you wish to see the full application it is available online at http://www.DublinCity.ie.

Anyone can lodge an observation on the planning application. If you decide to make an observation, it must be lodged in writing and sent to the Planning Department, Dublin City Council, Civic Offices, Wood Quay, Dublin 2 inclusive of the €20 fee before February 16th next.

PLANNING APPLICATION INFORMATION MEETING:

I can arrange a briefing for local residents with officials in the Planning Department of the City Council to outline the particulars of this planning application. I have shared this information with the North Wall Community Association so that members can attend. If you would also be interested in attending such a briefing, please let me know.

HOW DOES THIS APPLICATION CONTRAST WITH PREVIOUS PLANNING PROPOSAL FOR THIS SITE?

The original planning application approved by Dublin City Council contained plans for 745 apartments, 75 of which would be set aside for Dublin City Council for which they would be allocated to those applicants seeking for alternative housing in Area H. As a result, of a mistake made by the developer regarding car parking spaces and a High Court ruling, this application for planning permission has been lodged for 578 less homes and therefore 58 less apartments to be allocated by Dublin City Council.

WHAT IS MY VIEW ON THIS PLANNING APPLICATION?

The massive reduction in the amount of housing to be included as part of this development is unacceptable. It seems to me that the local community and the North Wall is being penalised for a High Court ruling. We all know that in order to tackle our housing waiting list and to enable individuals and families to transfer to accommodation more befitting their size.

WHAT IS MY APPROACH TO THIS PLANNING APPLICATION?

Sites such as this should be developed for residential use so that homes can be delivered, and I will be making a submission to the Planning Department of Dublin City Council urging that this be taken into consideration when planners decide on whether to grant planning permission or not.

If you would like your name to be included on my submission, please get in touch with me by emailing me at RayMcAdam@gmail.com, requesting to be a co-signature on objection to Planning Application No. 3054/22.