Constitution Hill Housing Matters – November 2022

The November meeting of the Dublin Central Area Committee, which I Chair, agreed to begin the formal planning process that ultimately will see the redevelopment of Constitution Hill housing complex and the delivery new and better homes in the Dublin 7 area.

Prior to that meeting, I circulated the following information to every household within the complex. I had also attended an information meeting with residents and households from Constitution Hill in October before the formal planning process got underway.

SUMMARY OF DRAFT PLANNING APPLICATION:

The Housing Department of Dublin City Council is proposing to retrofit the three existing blocks within Constitution Hill as well as the construction of two new blocks and two storey duplex houses. In total, 124 homes will be provided and it is envisaged that the redevelopment will be completed across two phases.

PROPOSED PHASE 1 Works:

It is proposed that the amalgamation and redevelopment of the existing block nearest Broadstone Depot, the construction of a new housing block and two duplex houses will be included in this phase. A total of 49 homes will be completed by this stage.

PROPOSED PHASE 2 Works:

The remaining two blocks will be redeveloped, construction of a new apartment block to the south of the site, where the old playground is currently located and the remaining eight duplex houses are to be undertaken as part of this phase. 75 homes will be provided.

WHAT IS THE PROPOSED HEIGHT OF THE REDEVELOPMENT?

The Housing Department is proposing that the building heights for the redeveloped and refurbished Constitution Hill complex will range between two and seven storeys.

WHAT IS THE BREAKDOWN OF HOME SIZES?

In total, 124 homes will be built, which includes:

• 42x 1 bedroom apartments
• 54x 2 bedroom apartments
• 18x 3 bedroom apartments
• 10x 2 bedroom duplex houses

There will be 15 apartments in total, that will be universally designed. Seven of which will be one bedroom and eight two-bedroom homes.

WHAT FACILITIES ARE EXPECTED TO BE DELIVERED AS PART OF THE REDEVELOPMENT?

The City Council has proposed a multi-use childcare space to be delivered in Phase 1 which is designed to replace the existing space used within the complex. The streetscape and public realm will be significantly enhanced with landscaped gardens and play areas provided. At present, 23 car-parking spaces are to be provided with another 150 bicycle parking places to be put in place.

CURRENT AREAS OF CONCERN RAISED WITH ME BY RESIDENTS:

Since 2017, I have worked to keep you updated of developments with regards the planned refurbishment of Constitution Hill and the provision of new and better homes in the complex. The recent information evening in Dominick Street provided an opportunity to hear from Constitution Hill householders about specific areas of concern with the draft planning application. These relate to the nature of the multi-use childcare space and whether it is sufficiently big enough and if existing needs within the complex will be met. The provision of sufficient car parking within the redeveloped complex is also an area of concern. If you or your family has any further issues or queries regarding the draft planning application for the redevelopment and refurbishment of Constitution Hill, please get in touch with me at RayMcAdam@gmail.com.

PLANNING PROCESS SUMMARY:

The planning application for the redevelopment of Constitution Hill be initiated at the November meeting of the Dublin Central Area Committee, which I Chair. The application will be considered by means of the Part 8 planning process, where your City Councillors will ultimately determine whether planning permission is granted or not. A statutory consultation will be held for everyone to have their say and those submissions will be important aspect of the decision-making process. It is likely that a final decision will be made by the summer next year, at the latest!

ANY FURTHER INFORMATION?

I hope this information is of assistance to you. I am sure, however, there are questions or queries that you may have about what has been proposed to date. Please get in touch with me, so that I can ensure your views and opinions are heard and ultimately acted upon.