PLANNING PERMISSION HAS been granted for some 934 homes on the site of the former Central Mental Hospital.

Previous plans to build 852 homes at the same site did not proceed due to a judicial review, which is being defended by the Land Development Agency.

The Land Development Agency (LDA) is the State’s affordable housing delivery body and its main role is to acquire and develop State and other land to deliver affordable homes.

It and Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council welcomed the decision by An Coimisiún Pleanála to grant permission for 934 homes and amenities to be developed at Dundrum Central.

Artist’s impression of the Dundrum Central project

The development will see the construction of 753 new affordable for sale and cost rental homes, as well as 181 social homes.

The development will comprise a mix of housing options including apartments, duplexes and houses to cater for all needs, whether it be a single person, a family, older residents, first time buyers or renters.

The LDA remarked that a “key element” of Dundrum Central will be the associated services and facilities being delivered.

Artist’s impression of the Dundrum Central project

This includes a community centre with a multipurpose sports facility, a medical centre, retail units, a café, a crèche and a new public plaza.

Meanwhile, the approved scheme includes reduced apartment building heights, now ranging from 2-8 stories, due to concerns raised during the initial consultation phase.

John Coleman, Chief Executive of the Land Development Agency, remarked that the planning permission is “an important milestone for a long-awaited project, which is vital to delivering much needed affordable housing in an area with a significant unmet need”.

He said it is a “necessary” project and that the LDA is “eager to progress the project and deliver on our commitments to current and future residents”.

Housing Minister James Browne meanwhile described the project as “essential for the delivery of large scale, State-led housing on public land”.

“This represents a major step forward in a long-anticipated project that will bring much needed affordable housing to an area of high demand in Dublin City,” said Browne.

He added that the LDA has “consistently demonstrated its ability to deliver affordable, high quality homes on public land”.

Artist’s impression of the Dundrum Central project LDA LDA

Browne also noted that the Government has committed €2.5 billion in new equity capital and expanded the LDA’s role enabling them to ramp up delivery of affordable and social housing.

“I am backing ambition here,” said Browne.

“These homes are essential in responding to our housing crisis.”