CLONLIFFE & BALLYBOUGH MATTERS – May 2025

ROYAL CANAL GREENWAY PHASE 3 NEARING COMPLETION

Substantial progress continues on Phase 3 of the Royal Canal Greenway, which stretches from Cross Guns Bridge to Newcomen Bridge. Section 1 (Cross Guns to Binns Bridge) is now fully open, with only minor footpath and snagging works outstanding. Work is advancing on the new ramp at Binns Bridge and along the Croke Park boundary. The toucan crossings at Bloody Sunday Bridge and Clarke’s Bridge are largely complete, and the historic canal quay wall near Newcomen Bridge has been fully repaired. Dublin City Council officials expect the full Phase 3 route to be officially opened by mid-September—marking a major milestone for active travel and local connectivity.

SUMMERHILL PRIMARY CARE CENTRE AGREEMENT SECURED

A positive outcome has been secured for the GP Care for All service at Summerhill Primary Care Centre, following intensive engagement between the Government, the HSE and the GP team. This agreement ensures the continued delivery of vital, community-based healthcare to families across the North Inner City. I want to sincerely thank the GP Care for All team for their outstanding dedication to local patients — their work is grounded in care, compassion, and a deep understanding of the community they serve. More than a decade ago, I was proud to work with Minister Paschal Donohoe to help deliver the Summerhill Primary Care Centre, and I know just how important this facility has become for local people. This latest agreement strengthens that original vision — of bringing healthcare closer to home — and ensures these essential services will continue to support the health and wellbeing of our communities for years to come.

UPDATE ON BALLYBOUGH LIDL DEVELOPMENT

Many of you have been in touch with me over recent months regarding the delayed opening of the redeveloped LIDL site on Ballybough Road. As residents will know, the site has been inactive since last autumn due to outstanding building control issues. I followed up again in the last week with the Building Control Manager in Dublin City Council. He confirmed that Building Control officials have met with representatives from LIDL Ireland in recent weeks and that the company is now engaging very positively to address the issues on site. It is clear that LIDL are eager to resolve the situation satisfactorily and get the store open as soon as possible. While the Building Control Manager was not in a position to give a definitive timeframe, I’m encouraged by the direction of travel. From my own perspective, I believe we’re likely to see progress sooner rather than later, with more clarity expected within the next fortnight. I know how important this new local store is for the area — not just in terms of convenience, but also for local employment and bringing new life to this part of Ballybough Road. I will continue to monitor developments closely and will keep residents fully updated.

CROKE VILLAS REDEVELOPMENT – FULL UPDATE

Final planning permission for the redevelopment of the former Croke Villas site was granted in December 2024 for Blocks A and B, the two main apartment blocks in the scheme. This long-awaited housing project will deliver 52 new homes — 47 two-bedroom and 5 one-bedroom apartments — built to the highest modern standards. Construction is scheduled to begin in early 2026, with works expected to be completed by late 2027. These new homes will form part of a secure, high-quality residential environment that includes:

• Dual-aspect apartments, 35% built to Universal Design (UD) standards
• Secure internal bike and bin storage, with 129 bicycle parking spaces
• New Community, Arts and Cultural space on Sackville Avenue
• Enhanced public realm along Sackville Avenue and improved access to Sackville Gardens
• A new boulevard-style entrance approach to Croke Park

Importantly, Blocks C, D, and E, which form the housing component along the Sackville Avenue side of the site, were granted planning permission under earlier planning processes and remain a key part of the overall redevelopment. These consist of 14 houses (11 under Blocks C and D, and 3 under Block E) and will be developed in tandem with the rest of the site, as resources and delivery schedules allow. This development represents a major investment in social housing and community infrastructure in Ballybough and forms part of the regeneration of the wider North-East Inner City. I will continue to work to ensure regular updates are provided and that local residents remain informed at every stage of the project.

CLONLIFFE COLLEGE REDEVELOPMENT – REVISED APPLICATION EXPECTED

The previous development proposal for the Clonliffe College site was the subject of extensive legal proceedings, including before the Supreme Court. Arising from that process, Hines Ireland has indicated that it intends to bring forward a revised planning application for the Clonliffe College lands.

The updated proposal is expected to provide for 1,131 residential units — a reduction from the 1,614 units previously approved by An Bord Pleanála in 2021. The reported housing mix includes:

• 24% studio units
• 25% one-bedroom units
• 34% two-bedroom units
• 12% three-bedroom units
• 5% four-bedroom units

The developer has stated that 29% of the site would be allocated to public open space. The revised plans are also expected to include proposals for the reuse of Protected Structures such as the Seminary Building (for residential use) and the Holy Cross Chapel and Assembly Hall (for community, cultural, or arts-related purposes). Other elements referenced include:

• A small number of commercial units (e.g. shops, cafés, and a crèche)
• Proposed pedestrian and cycling links to surrounding areas
• Integration with other developments on the wider site, including a hotel currently under construction and potential future GAA facilities.

I have held an initial meeting with the developer to understand the scope of what is proposed so that I can keep residents updated. Should you wish to engage directly with Hines, I am happy to facilitate that. Once the formal planning application is submitted, there will be an opportunity for members of the public to review the plans and make observations. I would strongly encourage local residents to engage with the process so that your views can be heard and considered as part of the statutory planning assessment.

CROKE PARK CONCERTS – PLANNING COMPLIANCE SUBMISSION

A planning Compliance Submission has been lodged with Dublin City Council by Michael Slattery Associates on behalf of MCD Productions in respect of three concerts in Croke Park on August 16^th, 17^th and 23^rd. This submission is required under Condition 11 of the planning permission granted by An Bord Pleanála (Ref: PL29N.089403) and relates to the operational and management arrangements for the events — including access, noise control, safety measures, traffic, and clean-up plans. Under planning approval 6373/06, the latest permitted concert end time is 11pm. The submission and associated documents are available for inspection by appointment at Dublin City Council, Block 4, Ground Floor, Civic Offices. To arrange an appointment, contact (01) 222 3115, alternatively you can contact me directly. As the concerts are already covered under the existing planning permission, no formal public submissions or observations can be made in relation to this compliance submission. I will continue to monitor developments closely and keep residents informed.

CLONLIFFE AVENUE RESURFACING UPDATE

Last year, I secured funding to enable the footpaths along Clonliffe Avenue to be upgraded. At the time, I committed to working to secure the additional resources needed to fully resurface the road itself — something residents have rightly called for given the poor condition of the surface along the entire street. As part of the Dublin City Council Budget for 2025, I am pleased to confirm that I have helped secure €332,640 for the full resurfacing of Clonliffe Avenue. The Council’s Roads Maintenance Department is now in the process of selecting a contractor to carry out the works, which are expected to begin later this summer. As soon as I have a confirmed start date, I will keep you updated.

NEIC GREENING PROJECTS – 2025 UPDATE

Work continues across the North East Inner City on improving and expanding our local green spaces. For the start of 2025, Dublin City Council is focusing on key parks including Russell Avenue, Sheriff Street, Liberty Park, and Mountjoy Square. Significant attention has also been required at Diamond Park to repair damage caused by recent vandalism. In parallel, new staff are being trained to deliver additional greening projects, with a growing number of requests currently under review. Desktop studies are underway to assess feasibility for the next planting season. Importantly, the Elizabeth Street greening project will advance to the construction phase on June 3^rd next, with works lasting for up to four weeks. WhatsApp (086-8471720) or Email (RayMcAdam@gmail.com) me and I’ll send you a copy of the proposed layout of the greening measures. In terms of the Ballybough and Clonliffe area, I will aim to come back with a further update shortly.