Mixed feelings on older persons’ housing schemes
By Mary Dennehy
PLANS for the development of two older persons’ housing schemes in Springfield have gone to public consultation, with 53 units being proposed for two green spaces in Fernwood and Maplewood.
As reported in The Echo recently, South Dublin County Council is planning to build its first-ever dedicated housing schemes for older people – with more than 130 homes in the pipeline.
Dedicated housing scheme, Fernwood Park
Plans are also in motion for the development of 82 homes on the current council depot site beside Tallaght Stadium, with the depot being demolished if the scheme gets the go-ahead.
However, at this point, the council is only bringing the two Springfield schemes to public consultation (Part 8), which includes 28 units for Fernwood Park and 25 for Maplewood Road.
The Fernwood Park scheme is to include 22 one-bedroom and six two-bedroom, single-storey homes.
On Maplewood Road 28 homes are proposed, eight one-bed and a couple of two-bed single-storey units and 15 one-bed units across a three-storey, managed building with communal facilities.
Plans also provide for 25 car parking spaces, including seven accessible spaces, at Fernwood Park and 21 car parking spaces, four accessible, on Maplewood road.
According to the council, the schemes aim to provide suitable and supported accommodation for older residents looking to downsize – which would also free-up three-bed homes for families on the housing list.
Vulnerable living alone
In a reply to The Echo, a council spokesperson said: “Older people can feel vulnerable living alone and while these housing schemes will be independent living, they will have low to medium support.
“These schemes will be more suitable for some older people . . . and the three sites identified are close to facilities like Tallaght University Hospital, churches, the Luas stop and shops.”
Speaking with The Echo, Tallaght Central councillor Charlie O’Connor, who lives in Springfield, said: “There’s a mixed reaction to the schemes and people are legitimately asking questions – like why are two green spaces [in their estate] being used?
“I am anxious that proper consultation with residents is carried out.
“Time should be given to consult directly with residents, including a presentation by the council to residents within the community.
“It’s important that the community is given the opportunity to ask questions.”
The public consultation stage for the proposed developments at Fernwood and Maplewood is now open, and submissions can be lodged and observations made until Friday, August 31.
The plans are available to view in County Hall, Tallaght.
Submissions can be made online at https://consult.sdublincoco.ie or in writing to Senior Executive Officer, Housing Department, South Dublin County Council, County Hall, Tallaght, Dublin 24.
