The vacant property that went up in flames
Residents anxious fire damaged cottage is properly secured
CONCERNED residents are calling for a vacant cottage that went up in flames in Tallaght last week to be “properly secured” as it was significantly damaged.
The cottage, located on Brady’s field on the Old Bawn road, caught fire last Thursday, July 29 and firefighters from Tallaght and Dolphin’s Barn fire stations were called to the scene after 10pm.
The fire was under control shortly after and no injuries were reported.
In a statement to The Echo, Gardai said investigations are ongoing in relation to the fire.
Speaking about the fire, local councillor for Tallaght Central, Charlie O’Connor, told The Echo: “Obviously people were shocked, and a lot of people contacted me about it.
“They were anxious and wanted to make sure that it is pointed out to the council that it now needs to be properly secured.”
The cottage is located on the site which is being used to construct 12 new social houses for older persons.
The project will consist of eight two-person, one-bedroom houses and four four-person, two-bedroom apartments.
The plans for the development were given the green light in February 2020, and it is understood that the Part 8 approved scheme is currently at pre-tender design stage.
An artist impression of the social housing for older people in Brady’s field
In the latest update for the project, in May the council confirmed that the scheme is scheduled to progress later this year, and the council will submit the budget application to the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage for final funding approval.
The proposed development has been a point of contention amongst residents and sports clubs in the area, with a total of 29 submissions received when it went to Part 8 public consultation stage last year.
When asked if the plans for the social housing development will still go ahead, Cllr O’Connor replied: “Yes, absolutely.
“I spoke to the Director of Housing and the plans are still in place and they are still working away on the programme.
“The fire at the house was unfortunate, no question but it hasn’t interfered with the plans as I understand it.”
The Echo contacted South Dublin County Council for comment, but it was not received in time for print.
