Clonburris town plans expected to be approved
By Brendan Grehan
AFTER a marathon series of meetings which end later today (Thursday), Councillors from South Dublin County Council are expected to approve plans for a new town at Clonburris between Lucan and Clondalkin.
About 280 hectares at Clonburris which straddles both sides of the Dublin-Kildare railway lines and the Grand Canal has been designated by the Government as a strategic development zone (SDZ) to tackle the housing crisis. If approved, the construction of more than 8,400 homes could be constructed using “fast-track” planning.
So far the Councillors have voted to have Griffeen Community College relocated within Kishogue North West to prevent three schools off Griffeen Avenue roundabout. Playing pitches for six local schools are to be provided at a site at the junction of the Outer Ring Road and Griffeen Avenue. They have also voted to limit building heights to mirror heights of existing buildings.
The Clonburris Lucan Action Group welcomed the motions.
They said: “These are all good decisions for our community. It’s refreshing to see all local elected reps getting so passionate about the future of our area. The meeting will run again from 3-10pm on Thursday. The public gallery is open for the duration of these meetings if any other residents want to attend.”
Councillor Mark Ward told The Echo that he was disappointed by a motion which was passed which moves housing from the periphery of Clonburris to higher density locations at Kishogue and Fonthill.
He said: “The impact this will have is that it will increase the housing density at these locations. We could have apartment blocks of eight or nine storeys high.”
Cllr Ward said he welcomed some of the motions especially the one that limits building heights to mirror heights of existing buildings.
Local Councillor and Deputy Mayor, Breeda Bonner told The Echo that she is trying to ensure the best possible outcome to the Clonburris SDZ. She has proposed motions which include: good quality accommodation in Clonburris, improved public transport, a 70:30 mix between private and public housing and ensuring that people living in the adjoining estates of Ashwood and Cappaghmore do not have their houses overlooked by high rise dwellings.
Today the Councillors will discuss the provision of social and affordable housing in Clonburris. Local Labour representative Joanna Tuffy called for the proportion of social and affordable housing in the development to be increased from 10 per cent to 30 per cent, while Sinn Féin TD Eoin Ó Broin is seeking 36 per cent social and affordable housing.
The Council said that under current legislation, it was “not possible” to increase social or affordable housing requirements above 10 per cent.
Councillors must vote on the plan by February 2.
If approved by councillors, the SDZ plans can be appealed to An Bord Pleanála. If the board passes the plans, the council will be able to grant permission for developments which cannot afterwards be appealed to the board. This could allow construction to start two months after an application is made.
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