Concerns over traffic gridlock with Clonburris’ 8,000 homes plan
By Maurice Garvey
TRAFFIC concerns have been highlighted as a primary concern with regard to plans for 8,000 homes in Clonburris.
South Dublin County Council say that the 280 hectares of land could generate more than 500 homes a year, making a steady stream available over 10-15 years.
Before construction gets underway, councillors must approve the SDZ (Strategic Development Zone).
Fine Gael councillor William Lavelle says the area is already “choked” with traffic, and a “chronic lack of transport.”
He questions if SDCC will be able to sustain a second SDZ in Clonburris “on top of Adamstown”.
Cllr Lavelle said councillors have yet to be briefed on the plans which were reported in The Irish Times earlier this week.
“I’m one hundred per cent behind Adamstown being built to respond to the housing crisis – it’s actually bigger than Clonburris – that is where we should be putting our focus on now. My concern is that we are doing the very Irish thing and getting ahead of ourselves and putting the cart before the horse.”
Initial plans for Clonburris, first proposed in 2006, were predicated on the Metro West line, which is not included in the National Transport Authority’s strategy for the next 20 years in the Greater Dublin area.
Plans for 8,000 homes, catering for a population the size of Wexford town, are expected to provided housing for between 24,000 to 30,000 residents.
The largest landowner in Clonburris, Cairn Homes, said it would be in a position to start building there early next year and that it could provide homes costing less than €300,000.
Pat Doyle, from the Peter McVerry Trust, reiterated concerns that homes are above the market price for many families.
“Every new house is between €300-400k, we need local authorities to provide homes, and in developments, provide 10 per cent social housing and 20 per cent affordable housing.”
Unlike Adamstown, SDCC own 35 per cent of Clonburris.
