Residents ‘strongly object’ to permission granted to developer

By Maurice Garvey

PLANNING permission has been granted for Phase 2 of a residential development in Newcastle, despite concerns from residents that Phase  1 works – including pyrite issues – have yet to be addressed.

Developer Frank Kiernan submitted a planning application to construct 49 homes at Alymer Heath. The application was submitted to South Dublin County Council in April.

The application was granted planning permission this week, but residents “strongly object” to a number of elements of the proposal, having experienced a difficult transition since moving in a number of years ago.

Five areas of footpaths in the estate have been identified as having pyrite damage, and residents wanted the council to ensure Phase 1 works are completed and that the estate is taken in charge before any further development takes place.

A joint submission by Alymer estate residents outlined a number of issues around a lack of maintenance at unsold units, road/footpaths/boundary fences.

Residents cite additional concerns regarding the entrance to the development, which they say will result in increased traffic/noise pollution, and point to a lack of existing car parking space.Sinn Féin councillor Mark Ward raised the remedial works issue at the latest Clondalkin ACM.

Cllr Ward said: “The council are not in position to take Aylmer Heath in charge as the estate is not completed to standard. Discussions with Knightstone Construction – who are now in receivership – have indicated that all work should be carried out in the next 12 months subject to funding from Nama.

“Previous representations by Deputy Eoin Ó Broin led to Nama approving funds for the completion of works on the footpaths where pyrite damage has been identified.”

Objections to the plans were lodged by Cllrs Emer Higgins, Trevor Gilligan and Francis Timmons.

Cllr Higgins believes proposals for Phase 2 are “premature” until Phase 1 works are “fully rectified.”

“I would ask that the council conduct regular inspections to ensure houses are built to standard and without the pyrite issues experienced by residents living in existing dwellings,” said Cllr Higgins.

The proposed development, includes proposals for the demolition of a derelict football clubhouse located within the site, construction of 49 homes, 95 car-parking spaces, and ancillary site and boundary works.