Four sites in plans for Traveller accommodation being progressed

FOUR sites are being progressed by South Dublin County Council through the Traveller Accommodation Programme to provide long-term, sustainable housing.

Following the statutory Part 8 public consultation process, a planning application for the development of seven Traveller group houses at Fonthill Road was approved by the council in June.

Located off the Fonthill Road North slip-road in Palmerstown West, the development comprises five detached, four-bedroom, two-storey houses, and one semi-detached, three-bedroom, two-storey house.

A medically adapted, four-bedroom, two-storey house is also included in the plans, with all proposed homes set to have a minimum A3 building energy rating and orientated in a cul-de-sac.

Subject to a road safety audit in response to submissions received under the Part 8 process, planning is underway for the construction to commence later in 2022.

The delivery of the first Traveller accommodation development under the Adamstown Strategic Development Zone (SDZ) is scheduled for the end of 2022.

Six group homes are currently under construction in the SDZ, with it being delivered through Part V obligations of a private developer.

“Further engagement has also now commenced with landowners in relation to proposals to deliver the remaining required Traveller accommodation within the SDZ,” the council stated.

Owendoher Haven is due to be redeveloped with individual consultation meetings having been completed with all households on site.

Proposals for two-storey homes as part of the redevelopment were widely welcomed by residents, according to the council.

Designs are currently being finalised with the updated proposed design to be presented to residents before progressing to Part 8 public consultation.

Meanwhile, at Oldcastle Park, the council was engaged in consultation meetings with individual households and extended family groupings at the time of the July meeting of the authority.

“It should be noted that there are two households refusing to engage in the process at all,” South Dublin County Council stated.

“While their housing needs will be incorporated into the final redevelopment proposals, their specific accommodation preferences may not be accurately reflected, and this could lead to potential delays with the overall project if they continue to refuse to engage.”