Flood risks identified as reason to reduce number of homes at Labre Park site
By Maurice Garvey
FLOOD risks have been identified by Dublin City Council planners as a primary reason to reduce the planned number of new homes at Labre Park – from 26 to between 14 and 18.
A €12.5m redevelopment of the Ballyfermot park - Ireland’s first site built specifically for Travellers by a local authority - was confirmed in 2018.
Labre Park
Following a number of site surveys, part of the proposed development has been identified as a flood risk inconsistent with development, reducing planned new homes to between 14 and 18.
Clúid Housing Association are the management agent for the redevelopment, working with the city council, and in conjunction with Labre Park residents, Ballyfermot Traveller Action Programme (BTAP) and CENA for the redevelopment project.
It will now see the creation of new houses, a community centre, pocket park and the refurbishment of 20 existing houses.
Clúid and the council plan to provide suitable alternative accommodation for those initially included in the redevelopment plans. It is envisaged that over 30 families will be re-homed over the next 12 months.
“Dublin City Council is committed to the redevelopment of Labre Park and to ensure that appropriate homes are provided to all the current residents of Labre Park,” said Brendan Kenny, Deputy Chief Executive of the city council.
According to the council, all families living on the site have been consulted regarding their specific individual needs and younger generations play a key role in the design of the common areas, playground, community centre and park.
Clúid Housing New Business Manager, Sarah Owens said: “Things haven’t moved as fast as we would have liked but we are delighted to be entering a new phase in the redevelopment today and to start the process of rehoming residents and clearing the site in preparation for development work to commence next year.”
The council and Clúid will now begin to secure appropriate alternative accommodation for those currently living on the site, including those who have recently moved to Labre Park and those who have recently turned 18.
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