Construction for Firhouse schools given the green light
By Laura Lyne
THE construction of two primary schools on Ballycullen Drive in Firhouse has been granted permission to go ahead by South Dublin County Council, following a mix of strong support and opposition by local residents.
It will see the development of two permanent school buildings for Firhouse Educate Together and Gaelscoil na Giúise, both of which are currently housed in temporary schools on the site.
Both schools will include 16 classrooms and two classroom special-needs units, support spaces and ancillary accommodation.
Also included in the application is the construction of storage buildings, bin stores, a playing pitch, ball courts, project gardens, cycle storage and the provision of 70 car-parking spaces, with drop-off and pick-up facilities for students.
Submissions objecting to the proposal raised concerns about the increase of traffic in the area, the impact on existing pitches at the site, the impact the development would have on the existing sewerage system and the impact the development would have on the visual amenity and wildlife of the area.
The submissions in support of the proposed schools noted the suitability of the site due to ease of access, that it would not adversely impact on the open space of the area, the urgent need for a school in the area, the traffic-calming measures that would be installed as part of the development, and the positive impact it would have on the value of property in the area.
Permission for the development was granted on December 4, following the submission of additional information by the applicant in November.
It addressed issues with access to pitches located to the east of the site, revisions to traffic management on the site and revisions to the layout plans of the site.
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