Development expected to start on Traders site
By Mary Dennehy
THE Traders served its last pint on Sunday (July 1), with construction work on the redevelopment of the site expected in the coming weeks.
In June 2016, planning permission was granted to Double E Investment Ltd for a mixed-use development on St James’s Road and Limekiln Road, which includes the demolition of the Traders, take-away, betting office and associated accommodation.
The demolition of the existing buildings will pave the way for a new anchor retail unit incorporating ancillary off-licence, five retail units, a doctor’s surgery and the relocation of the pub, betting office and take-away on site.
The residential element of the development comprises of 26 units made up of five one-bed apartments, 18 two-bed, two three-bed and one three-bed duplex, all housed above the retail units.
According to local councillor Dermot Looney (Social Democrats), who commented on the closing of the Traders on his Facebook page: “I’m told that demolition and construction work will begin here and on the adjoining ex-McHugh’s site soon – however, we’ve seen many false dawns at this site before.
“I continue to receive lots of queries about what is planned for the site.
“It will include a large retail unit, other smaller retail units, and a doctor’s surgery as well as 26 residential units.
“The pub and former bookies and takeaway are due to be relocated within the site.”
He added: “The residential units are not council homes – they are a private development.
“Under legislation only 10 per cent of them will be allocated as social housing.
“It is of course possible that the purchasers of the development may rent their units.
“I want to note that there have been several unfortunate comments regarding social housing, particularly given that Limekiln Green was originally a council estate.
“Given the crisis we are in, I am sure most local people have a compassionate approach to this matter and will welcome all families who move in.”
Read the full planning permission granted on the planning section of the council’s website, www.sdcc.ie
