A massive new housing development has been announced in north Dublin.
The Land Development Agency (LDA) has acquired a site in Baldoyle with existing planning permission for 1,931 homes.
The site is next to the LDA’s Clongriffin land, which means the agency now has the potential to deliver over 4,000 new affordable homes in the area surrounding Clongriffin station.
The Baldoyle development comprises 18-hectares of land with permission granted for delivery of permanent access to the train station, creche facilities, commercial units, new parks, transport facilities and other public infrastructure works to enhance community amenities. It was part of the former “The Coast” housing development.
The site is located east of Clongriffin station and near to existing housing in Stapolin and Baldoyle. It is bounded by the Dublin to Belfast railway line to the west, Fingal County Council parklands to the north and the planned Racecourse Park to the northeast, and has views of Ireland’s Eye, Howth and the Irish Sea.
The neighbouring Clongriffin land has the potential to deliver over 2,000 homes, the LDA said. Work has already commenced on a first phase involving 408 homes, which will be delivered in two apartment blocks.
The LDA said it was working closely with both Dublin City Council, Fingal County Council and other local stakeholders and community representatives to coordinate an integrated approach for the area
John Coleman, chief executive of the LDA, said the purchase of the land was a major strategic accomplishment for the agency.
"We now own two neighbouring sites in the area surrounding Clongriffin railway station and we are positioned to deliver over 4,000 affordable homes in addition to new facilities, services, amenities and commercial outlets," he said.
"We intend to work closely with the existing communities in this area and with stakeholders to ensure that in addition to delivering housing, we also build on the existing plans for Clongriffin and Baldoyle to create vibrant and sustainable new neighbourhoods."
The LDA said it would examine and work to support existing plans for the area and ensure they are incorporated into its design, including the Dart+ scheme and the council's plans for Racecourse Park.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) said it would upgrade and improve the security of the existing access route to Clongriffin station as an interim solution, until permanent access is delivered.
Eoin Gillard, assistant director of transport investment at NTA, added: "NTA welcomes the significant progress of the acquisition of these lands by the LDA. The development of these lands around a key transport node with high quality bus and rail connections is very positive and will make it easier for people living there to get about, using sustainable modes, truly delivering transit-oriented development.
"NTA remains committed to addressing the issues with the temporary access arrangements in the area and looks forward to working in close collaboration with the LDA and Fingal County Council in delivering permanent safe and accessible access across the railway line and to public transport services in the area."
AnnMarie Farrelly, chief executive of Fingal County Council, said: "The Baldoyle-Stapolin Local Area Plan had an ambitious vision for this area which can now be realised with the purchase of these lands. It means that the issues at Clongriffin Railway Station, which have exercised our local councillors and the local community for several years, can be resolved through the involvement of the NTA.
"The Council is also finally in a position to develop a new regional amenity at Racecourse Park which will complement the soon to be completed Baldoyle Community Centre.
"Finally, the activation of the planning permission to build over 1,900 new affordable homes in this area alongside a creche and commercial units is also welcome."
