Zoned land banks have potential for building over 3,500 home units

By Mary Dennehy

AROUND 3,500 housing units could potentially be built on public and private land banks zoned for housing in the Rathfarnham, Templeogue and Terenure local electoral areas, South Dublin County Council has confirmed.

At this week’s Rathfarnham/Templeogue-Terenure area committee meeting, Sinn Féin councillors Sarah Holland and Enda Fanning asked council management for a detailed account of the public and private land banks zoned for housing – and the number of housing units that could be constructed on these lands in accordance with the Development Plan.

Cllr Enda Fanning told The Echo that councillors are trying to identify land suitable for housing across the whole area of South Dublin County – in an attempt to deliver housing as a “matter of urgency”.

Cllr Fanning said the council needs to deliver housing and create an “even spread” across the region, noting that housing has predominantly been delivered at the Tallaght-end of the Dublin South West constituency.

In its reply, council management said that a total of 128 hectares of public and private land with development potential is zoned for residential purposes in the Rathfarnham, Templeogue and Terenure local electoral area.

This culminative landholding comprises of around 32 sites, which, it is estimated, could accommodate 3,500 residential units.

The council said: “It should be noted however, that this is very much a high-level assessment, with all applications for housing on these lands subject to detailed site-specific development management appraisal.

“Details in relation to the council’s land bank is strategically and economically sensitive. As a result this information cannot be released publicly.”

On hearing the council’s reply, Cllr Fanning said: “While I note the council’s comments that the figure of 3,500 houses is very much a high-level assessment and that all applications will be subject to detailed site-specific appraisal, this shows that the Templeogue, Terenure and Rathfarnham areas can contribute to resolving the current housing crisis.

“While it is disappointing that the council will not release details of its own land banks, there is little doubt that the council, together with private developers, have the capability of acting now by initiating housing projects in the area.

“The time is long gone where only certain areas can be considered when assessing sites for potential housing.

“I am now calling on the council and developers to take action.

“Polite words of concern regarding our housing crisis is not enough. Action is needed as a matter of urgency.”