Coffee shop to be refurbished into social housing apartments
By Maurice Garvey
A FORMER community hub known locally as the ‘coffee shop’ is to be refurbished into social housing apartments.
South Dublin County Council put forward a report to members at the Monday’s council meeting, containing proposals to construct two social housing units at an unused building 37 Greenfort Gardens.
Mayor Mark Ward outside the coffee hub
Mayor of South Dublin County Mark Ward, who has long called for the vacant site to be put to use, welcomed the report.
“The ‘coffee shop’ has been vacant for over 20 years and is a hive of anti-social behaviour as well as an eye sore,” said Mayor Ward.
“It was originally a community house that was a hive of activity during my childhood. The people who ran the coffee shop were old fashioned community activists that had the heart of the community at its core.
“Over 20 years ago this facility was returned to the council and it was used as depot and storage space for years. It was a complete waste of space with illegal dumping and it brings my area down.”
He continued: “I’m delighted that my campaign to see it developed into housing was successful. As soon as I became a councillor I have worked on the issue of turning this facility into much needed housing stock.”
The Part 8 report by SDCC, which has been available to view through a public consultation during February and March, was agreed by members at Monday’s meeting.
Proposals are for one three-bed apartment at ground level, and one two-bed apartment at first floor level.
TAGS Clondalkin
