Carmelite Monastery is exempted development
By Aideen O'Flaherty
AN Bord Pleanála has upheld South Dublin County Council’s decision that the change of use of the Carmelite Monastery in Firhouse to instead be a homeless hub for families is an exempted development, reports Aideen O’Flaherty.
If a development is deemed exempted, this means planning permission is not required for the proposed change of use of the development.
The Carmelite Monastery in Firhouse
Fine Gael councillor for Firhouse-Bohernabreena, Brian Lawlor, lodged an appeal with ABP last January, against the council’s decision to deem the change of use of the property as an exempted development.
Cllr Lawlor told The Echo: “I have no issue with the hub, and neither do the residents, we just felt it needed to be brought up to standard for the children who are there.
“I don’t believe that the facility is correct for the small children that are there.”
However, Cllr Lawlor added that he accepts APB’s decision to rule the development as being exempted.
The hub, which is run by the Respond Housing Association, provides accommodation for families on the homeless list, and can accommodate 17 families.
When talking previously to The Echo, Niamh Randall, Head of Advocacy with Respond, said the site is “entirely suitable” for children, and has large communal areas, plenty of bathroom facilities and big grounds.
“Let’s be very clear here, this [family hub] is a short-term intervention but it is better than hotel rooms,” Ms Randall added.
ABP directed earlier this month that the development is considered exempt, as the development “comes within the scope of the exemption provided for under Section 4(1)(f) of the Planning and Development Act, 2000, as amended, and is therefore exempted development.”
Respond were contacted for comment in relation to ABP’s decision, but a response was not received in time for print.
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