480 build-to-let apartments planned for Cosgrave site
By Aideen O'Flaherty
A PLANNING notice for the proposed development of 480 build-to-let apartments and 110 build-to-sell apartments at the site of the former home of ex-Taoiseach Liam Cosgrave in Scholarstown was erected lastweekend.
Ardstone Homes Limited stated in their site notice that they intend to lodge these plans with An Bord Pleanála through the fast-track Strategic Housing Development (SHD) scheme, to also include the demolition of existing properties on the site, called Mayfair and Beechpark.
An artist impression of development
It is proposed that the site will consist of 480 build-to-let units across eight apartment blocks, while 110 build-to-sell units are to be housed in nine duplex blocks with a height of three-storeys.
The developer previously had a pre-planning consultation in June, in advance of lodging their application, the result of which stated that the plans “required further consideration/amendment”.
In relation to the recent erection of the site notice, confirming the plans to pursue permission through ABP’s SHD scheme, local Fianna Fáil councillor for Firhouse-Bohernabreena, Deirdre O’Donovan, will be holding a public meeting on December 2 in St Colmcille’s Community School in Knocklyon at 7.30pm.
The Scholarstown Road site was the subject of media attention in 2018 and 2019, as archaeological digs there uncovered an “early medieval enclosed settlement”, according to an archaeological assessment that was submitted to South Dublin County Council last April.
Human skeletal remains were found on the site in August 2018, and a total of 19 test trenches were excavated on site, which confirmed the presence of a ringfort-type enclosure – the skeletal remains were uncovered within the interior of the enclosure.
The former home of Liam Cosgrave on Scholarstown Road
In a statement to The Echo when the archaeological digs were being carried out, Ardstone Homes stated: “As part of our assessment of the site we undertook an archaeological investigation under the direction of an independent archaeologist and some archaeological features were discovered on a small portion of the site.”
They stated that the investigation and dig was being carried out by “an independent archaeologist under full agreement and licencing of The Department of Culture, Heritage and Gaeltacht (DCHG) and under direction of the National Monuments Service.”
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