Concerns homeless hub requires planning
A LOCAL Fine Gael councillor has queried with An Bord Pleanala whether the change of use of the Carmelite Monastery on the Firhouse Road to a family hub requires planning permission.
As previously reported, the monastery is being leased by Respond Housing Association, which has been operating the premises as supported accommodation for families on the housing list since December.
The Carmelite Monastery on the Firhouse Road
Five families are currently living there.
It is understood that the bedrooms in their current format are being used by families for accommodation, with the large communal areas on the ground floor being used for dining and social purposes – including activity areas for children.
The housing body advised South Dublin County Council that the use of the building as a residential facility is in keeping with its previous use.
No works, according to the council, other than internal decoration and painting has been undertaken.
However, according to Templeogue-Terenure councillor Brian Lawlor (Fine Gael), he lodged a query with An Bord Pleanala as he believes the monastery is “not suitable” for small children.
Cllr Lawlor’s referral, which asks ‘whether change of use of monastery to homeless hub is exempted development’, was received by An Bord Pleanla on January 8.
A decision by the planning authority is due by May 13.
Speaking with The Echo, Cllr Lawlor said: “The whole complex in my opinion is not suitable for small children and the rooms are not suitable for families – it was built as a convent.
“There is no changing facilities for kids, no playground.”
According to Cllr Lawlor, he believes Respond should “apply for planning permission to do [the accommodation] up to a standard that families deserve.”
“They went about this the wrong way, they fast tracked it”, he said.
Speaking with The Echo, Niamh Randall, Head of Advocacy with Respond, said that the housing association and its funders are “very satisfied” that they are operating within planning regulations.
“We were a little bit disappointed to hear [about the referral],” Ms Randall said.
“We are very open to talking about what we do here.
“We are very satisfied that we are operating within planning regulations, we feel very confident around that.”
According to Ms Randall, the site is “entirely suitable” for children, and has large communal areas, plenty of bathroom facilities and big grounds.
Respond also provides support in terms of childcare.
“Let’s be very clear here, this [family hub] is short-term intervention but it is better than hotel rooms,” Ms Randall said.
She added that Respond is working with its partners across local authorities to address the issues faced by families trying to secure affordable accommodation.
Working alongside the Dublin Regional Homeless Executive, Respond provides on-site support to families living in the monastery in terms of securing long-term accommodation.
When contacted by The Echo, a spokesperson for South Dublin County Council said: “The family hub in Firhouse managed by Respond Housing Association has been operational since December 2018.
“There has been no communication to Respond or the council’s Housing Department by An Bord Pleanala in relation to ceasing operation of the facility.”
