Aoibhin Bryant

Dec 05

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Planning to be sought for €220m offshore wind hub at Rosslare Europort

By Aoibhin Bryant | Upcoming Construction Projects

Iarnród Éireann has confirmed intentions to seek planning permission for Ireland’s largest offshore wind hub at Rosslare Europort in Co Wexford.

The €220 million plan will see a major transformation of the existing port into the country’s primary base of offshore wind farms in the Irish and Celtic Seas.

Iarnrod Éireann, the Port Authority for Rosslare Europort, stated that it will help achieve Ireland’s renewable energy targets.

The proposed Rosslare Offshore Renewable Energy Hub will have the potential to support the installation of approximately 0.5GW to 1GW of offshore wind capacity each year.

It’s set to span 80 hectares, with two new heavy lift berths designed for offshore renewable energy components.

Rosslare Europort: Credit Iarnród Éireann

The €220 million plan will see a major transformation of the existing port into the country’s primary base of offshore wind farms in the Irish and Celtic Seas. Credit: Iarnród Éireann

Developers also wish to widen and deepen the port’s approach channel as well as reclaim 27.7 hectares of land from the sea.

This includes the creation of almost 20 hectares of new port lands capable of handling the largest wind turbine components.

The project will also involve the construction of extensive areas for storage, marshalling and assembly.

A new 64-berth, small boat harbour is also underway with new access roads, utilities, environmental enhancements and facilities for local marine users.

It is believed that the project will create 2,000 long-term jobs for the region. These include port construction, offshore wind construction activity and long-term operation and maintenance phases of offshore wind development.

Iarnród Éireann are set to submit plans to An Coimisiún Pleanála next week with hopes of construction commencing in 2027. A delivery date of early 2029 has also been earmarked.

It is believed that the project will create 2,000 long-term jobs for the Rosslare region. Credit: Iarnród Éireann

Mary Considine, Chief Executive of Iarnród Éireann, heralded the plan as a “once in a generation investment in Ireland’s clean energy future”.

She said it would integrate “national transport and maritime infrastructure to unlock offshore wind potential and deliver sustainable growth for coastal communitie”.

“It will also be a significant boost for the South East, creating jobs in an emerging and vital industry, and becoming a crucial asset in Ireland’s energy transition journey.”

Glenn Carr, Director Commercial Business Units with Iarnród Éireann, Port Authority for Rosslare Europort, declared it a “significant milestone”

“Delivering this nationally significant infrastructure will support the continued expansion Rosslare Europort, strengthen the local economy, support local employment and deliver on national and EU policy priorities.”

The EU Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) has also co-funded the project.

Feature Image Credit: Iarnród Éireann

Dec 03

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Commencement of €62m Development in Ratoath, Co Meath

By Aoibhin Bryant | Industry News

Construction has commenced on a €62.3 million residential development in Ratoath, Co Meath, which will deliver 130 homes to the area.

Work began on a three-storey residential block comprising of six duplexes and six apartments.

Construction also started on the shell and core works of a creche.

Meath County Council granted permission for the development on 18 Dec 2024.

Developers Marshall Yards Development Company Limited had plans for the construction of 117 houses. This includes 57 two-beds, 52 three-beds, seven four-beds and one five-bed. It also included 24 maisonette duplex units (18 one-beds and six three-beds).

Construction has commenced on a €62.3 million residential development in Ratoath, Co Meath, which will deliver 130 homes to the area. Credit: John Fleming Architect

It also sees the demolition of two dwellings on the site and an agricultural shed.

At 5.48 hectares in total, the site is situated at Main Street and Ballybin Road in Ratoath.

Fox Lodge Woods and Fox Lodge Manor border the site to the west and north, with existing agricultural lands and residential developments to the north and east.

Developers wish to demolish the existing five-arm roundabout and replace it with a four-arm junction.

This new junction will facilitate a realignment of the southern section of the existing Ballybin Road. This road will act as the northern arm of the new junction.

Developers initially sought to build over 140 homes for the area in Ratoath, but reduced it to 130 after requests for further information. Credit: John Fleming Architect

There will be a revised entrance for the existing dwelling to the north-east of the site at Ballybin Road.

Developers initially sought to build over 140 homes for the area, but reduced it to 130 after requests for further information.

While Meath County Council gave the green light to the development, residents appealed this decision.

An Coimisiún Pleanála, previously known as An Bord Pleanála, upheld the decision for the site.

Feature Image Credit: John Fleming Architects

Nov 06

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LDA puts forward plans for €34m development in Anglesea Terrace, Cork

By Aoibhin Bryant | Industry News

The Land Development Agency has put forward plans to proceed with a €34 million residential development in Anglesea Terrace in Cork city.

The site looks to deliver 147 new apartments in total in one block.

This includes 72 one-beds and 75 two-beds. Of the 147, 132 will be cost-rental, and 15 will be social homes.

The block will vary from four to 16 storeys at its tallest point.

The development will feature three retail units: one for a cafe or restaurant and two for office or retail use.

Residents will enjoy an external courtyard for communal open space, a linear western park, and a rooftop terrace on the seventh floor.

The Land Development Agency has put forward plans to proceed with a €34 million residential development in Anglesea Terrace in Cork city. Credit: Henry J Lyons Architects

The LDA hopes to upgrade the footpaths at Old Station Road and build an eastern pedestrian link along the South Link Road. On top of that, provisions are in place for a delivery area at Anglesea Terrace.

Subject to planning permission, construction could begin as early as 2027. First homes are expected by 2030.

“Much needed affordable housing”

This is part 8 of the LDA’s plans to deliver homes across Cork.

John Coleman, Chief Executive of the Land Development Agency, welcomed the partnership with Cork City Council to deliver “much needed affordable housing in the heart of Cork City”.

“Anglesea Terrace is a fantastic site with great potential. Our vision is to turn this underutilised brownfield site into high quality affordable housing that can act as a catalyst for rejuvenation in the local community and create positive societal impact for Cork City.”

Valerie O’Sullivan, Chief Executive of Cork City Council said the development “demonstrates the welcome and growing demand for city living in Cork”.

“This project has the capacity to create a desirable, vibrant and well-connected neighbourhood for the people of Cork.”

Feature Image Credit: Henry J Lyons Architects

Oct 22

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Approved €100m development set to deliver over 500 new Homes in Woodstown, Dublin

By Aoibhin Bryant | Upcoming Construction Projects

South Dublin City Council has granted permission for a €100-million housing development in Woodstown.

The project in Ballycullen is set to deliver over 500 new homes to the area.

Developers Lagan Homes seek to build 502 residential units in total – comprising 108 one-beds, 170 two-beds, 162 three-beds and 62 four-beds.

For these homes, 197 are two-storey houses in the forms of terraced, semi-detached and detached constructions.

The houses include 19 two-beds, 116 three-beds, 62 four-beds and 28 three-beds.

South Dublin City Council has granted permission for a €100-million housing development in Woodstown. Credit: JFOC Architects

The other 305 homes will span across 28 three to four-storey apartment blocks.

These blocks will provide 108 one-beds, 151 two-beds and 46 three-beds.

The development includes a creche, public open space, as well as car (surface and undercroft) and bicycle parking.

Vehicles will be able to access from the existing spur road connection on Stocking Avenue, west of the site. Drivers can also enter via Stocking Wood Drive to the east of the site.

Developers have planned pedestrian-only access along Abbot’s Grove Park and Stocking Wood Copse.

Developers Lagan Homes seek to build 502 residential units in total – comprising of 108 one-beds, 170 two-beds, 162 three-beds and 62 four-beds. Credit: JFOC Architects

Future connections are also set for Stocking Wood Manor, White Pines Park and the future school to the north of the site.

Lagan Homes initially sought permission for the site in Woodstown on April 24 this year.

The county council gave the stamp of approval in October.

Feature Image Credit: JFOC Architects

Oct 14

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MetroLink gets green light

By Aoibhin Bryant | Upcoming Construction Projects

The long-awaited €11 billion MetroLink project has finally received the green light, with Dublin set for its first underground rail system.

An Coimisiún Pleanála gave go-ahead l three years after plans were initially put forward.

It sees the construction of a fully-automated railway, 18.8km in length, that will traverse from Swords in north-county Dublin to Charlemount in the south.

Developers expect that passengers will be able to travel from Swords to Dublin city centre in approximately 25 minutes, with trains running every three minutes during peak periods.

Current figures estimate that it will carry up to 53 million passengers annually.

The long-awaited €11 billion MetroLink project has finally received the green light, with Dublin set for its first underground rail system. Credit: metrolink.ie

With a total of 16 stations, the €11 billion project will serve sixteen stations across Dublin – at Dublin Airport, Northwood, Ballymun, Collins Avenue, Griffith Park, Glasnevin, Mater, O’Connell Street, Tara, St. Stephen’s Green and Charlemont.

Another four retained cut stations will be at Seatown, Swords Central, Fosterstown and Dardistown. A grade station is also set for Estuary.

The railway is mostly underground, with a 9.4km single-bore tunnel running beneath the City Centre from Charlemont to Northwood Station.

Another 2.3km single-bore tunnel will run under Dublin Airport. North of the airport, the railway will emerge from the tunnel on its way to Estuary Station. This station will also provide a multi-storey 3000-space car park close to the M1.

Current projects see a maintenance depot located near Dardistown Station to house all facilities.

Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien welcomed the decision by the planning authority.

“Today’s planning news is a hugely positive step for MetroLink, which is a key strategic project for the Government and Ireland,” he said.

“I’d like to thank TII and the NTA for developing the project to this stage. MetroLink will be transformative for the people of North Dublin and – by linking directly with Dublin airport, DART, heavy rail, Luas and bus services – the entire country.”

With a total of 16 stations, MetroLink will serve sixteen stations across Dublin – at Dublin Airport, Northwood, Ballymun, Collins Avenue, Griffith Park, Glasnevin, Mater, O’Connell Street, Tara, St. Stephen’s Green and Charlemont. Credit: metrolink.ie

The minister also said that the public transport route will enable the “construction of tens of thousands of new homes”.

Hugh Creegan, Interim Chief Executive and Director of Transport Planning and Investment at the National Transport Authority said the decision offers a “real transport alternative to tens of thousands of people daily.”

Applicants initially put forward plans for the MetroLink in 2022.

More than 300 parties put forward submissions about the project before public hearings in February 2023.

Credit: www.metrolink.ie

Sep 18

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Kilmore Quay in Wexford Hopes For New €147m Tourism Resort

By Aoibhin Bryant | Industry News

Developers are seeking permission to build a brand new €147 million new tourism resort in Kilmore Quay, Co Wexford.

Nova Connect Ltd are looking to introduce a luxury five-star resort to the sunny south-east.

Plans include the construction of a central hotel, ranging in height from one to two storeys.

It will provide 163 bedrooms, 42 family suits (84 bedrooms), a bar and restaurants.

The hotel will also host conference centres and function rooms, a spa and leisure complex with a swimming pool,

On top of the hotel, developers also seek to build 55 large family-friendly tourist lodges.

These will vary in sizes from two eight-beds, two six-beds, 21 four-beds and 30 three-beds.

Nova Connect Ltd’s plans include the construction of a central hotel, ranging in height from one to two storeys. Credit: Stephen Carr Architects

Plans also have a pavilion restaurant in store for guests.

Accommodation will be provided fo staff, with 11 apartments across six two-storey buildings providing 55 bedrooms in total.

There will be external sports, recreational and play amenities – including paddle courts and mini-golf.

They have also carved out landscaped green spaces with pedestrian-friendly cycling and walking routes throughout the 20.3 hectare site.

Developers look to transform the former Beak farmstead buildings and courtyard on the site into the family lodge reception. They are also hoping to create a resort shop, a café and arts and crafts spaces in this area.

There will be external sports, recreational and play amenities – including paddle courts and mini-golf. Credit: Stephen Carr Architects

In terms of access, vehicles will make their way from the Kilmore Road. Kilmore Quay village centre will be accessible by foot.

Facilities will include maintenance storage, bike shelters, drop-off parking for cars and buses.

Nova Connect Ltd. officially put forward their plans to Wexford County Council in August. A decision is yet to be made.

Feature Image Credit: Stephen Carr Architects

Sep 04

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Green light for €57m development at former Avid Technology site.

By Aoibhin Bryant | Upcoming Construction Projects

Developers Atlas GP Ltd have received the green light for a €57 milliom residential development at the former Avid Technology site in south county Dublin.

Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council approved plans to construct 183 new apartments on the site in Sandyford.

Four blocks will house the apartments, ranging from four to 13 storeys, and include 25 studios, 29 one-bedroom units, 54 two-bedroom units, and 75 three-bedroom units.

All residential units will provide private balconies and terraces.

Developers have planned a creche for the fourth block.

In terms of other communal and public open space, residents will be able to enjoy a 1215 sq.m. plaza in the courtyard.

Plan also see the provision of a creche play area.

Around 64 car parking spaces are planned at basement level, as well as 428 bicycle spaces.

To make way for the new residence, developers sought a new vehicular entrance from Carmanhall Road.

A plan is in place for vehicular egress onto Blackthorn Road.

Atlas GP Ltd initially put forward plans in July of this year.

Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council granted permission on August 27, subject to one condition.

Previously, the former Avid Technology site had plans for 428 high-rise build-to-rent apartments in 2021.

However, An Bord Pleanála ultimately refused permission, citing a substandard quality of communal open space.

The board also said the height and density of the development exceeded provisions from the council.

Feature Image Credit: McCauley Daye O’Connell Architects Ltd

May 15

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Huntstown Power Station Credit: Henry J Lyons Architects

Green light for €87m data centre development at Huntstown Power Station

By Aoibhin Bryant | Upcoming Construction Projects

An Bord Pleanála have granted permission to a new €87 million data centre development at Huntstown Power Station, following an appeals process.

The project, proposed by the Energia Group subsidiary, sees the construction of two data buildings on the land in Finglas, Co Dublin.

The data centres will be in collaboration with Microsoft.

The buildings will comprise data hall rooms, mechanical and electrical galleries and other offices, including meeting rooms and workshop spaces.

The building will also feature staff areas such as break rooms, toilets, shower/changing facilities, storage areas, lobbies, outdoor staff areas, loading bays and docks.

The buildings will rise up to three storeys with a gross floor area of C.37,647sqm.

The overall height will not exceed 112m above sea level.

An external plant with 58 emergency generators will be in a generator yard.

An Bord Pleanála have granted permission to a new €87 million data centre development at Huntstown Power Station. Credit: Henry J Lyons Architects

To make way for the data centres, the plan sees the demolition of two residential dwellings on the site.

Developers have included provisions for a temporary substation, a water treatment building, seven water storage tanks and two sprinkler tanks.

Existing overhead electricity lines will move underground.

Developers will install security fencing up to 2.4m high and new vehicular entrance from the North Road.

More access will be at the southwest of the site from an existing private road.

Plans are in place for 48 bicycle spaces and 208 parking spaces, including 10 accessible spaces.

A further 20 EV charging spaces and eight motorcycle spaces are envisioned.

An Bord Pleanála’s Decision

Huntstown Power Company initially put forward plans on August 24 2021.

Permission was initially granted by Fingal County Council in 2022.

However, both heritage body An Taisce and Louth Environment Group had appealed the decision.

In its decision to grant permission, ABP outline that the Government Statement on the Role of Data (July 2022) identified data centres as “core infrastructure”.

They continued that the centres enable the twin transitions of “digitalisation and decarbonisation”.

They pointed to the grid the connection agreement with EirGrid, the Corporate Purchase Power Agreement and the ability to manage electricity demand would meet energy requirements.

The site is also located in the Heavy Industry in the Fingal Development Plan 2023-2029, which “facilitates opportunities for industrial uses, activities and processes which may give rise to land use conflicts if located within other zonings”.

However, the Board found its location outside the M50 meant that it is not located on lands more suitable for employment. These would typically be closer to public transport infrastructure.

An Bord Pleanála granted approval subject to 23 conditions.

Feature Image Credit: Henry J Lyons Architects

Mar 28

1

Plans Granted for €111m Build To Rent Development on Bailey Gibson site

By Aoibhin Bryant | Industry News

An Bord Pleanála has granted permission for the construction of a €111 million Build To Rent development at the former Bailey Gibson site in Dublin.

US property investor Hines requested planning permission to construct 416 new homes on the South Circular Road in Dublin 8.

The development will see the demolition of all buildings and structures on the site to make way for the apartments and houses.

The dwellings will be built across five blocks, with a cumulative gross floor area of 31,117 sq.m.

An Bord Pleanála has granted permission for the construction of a €111 million Build To Rent development at the former Bailey Gibson site in Dublin. Credit: Henry J Lyons

An Bord Pleanála has granted permission for a €111 million Build To Rent development at the former Bailey Gibson site in Dublin. Credit: Henry J Lyons

Four of these blocks, running from two to 16 storeys in height, will host 404 apartments. This includes 19 studios, 252 one-beds and 134 two-beds.

Further plans involve the construction of two two-storey two-bed duplex apartments and six three-storey three-bed triplex apartments.

And the fifth block has provisions for four three-storey four-bed townhouses. Each townhouse will have a car parking space.

All homes will have private amenity space in the form of either balconies or back gardens.

The first block will feature tenant amenities on the ground floor and a concierge office.

Additionally, the second block will allow for a gymnasium, a combined concierge/marketing/coworking space at ground floor and a communal living and kitchen and a residents’ lounge on the first floor level.

The third block will also have a residents’ lounge, connecting to a communal garden.

More communal spaces comprise an open space in the first block, courtyards in the second and fourth block as well as roof terraces on the second and third block.

Developers put forward plans for a childcare facility and a commercial floorspace for a restaurant, café or bar in the second block.

The first block sees additional provisions for commercial floor space to facilitate a wide range of uses. This includes a shop, financial/professional services, health services, community and arts and a bingo hall.

Hines sought permission to build on the Bailey Gibson site in 2020. Credit: Henry J Lyons

Hines originally sought permission to build on the Bailey Gibson site in 2020. Credit: Henry J Lyons

Around 106 car parking spaces, including 10 dedicated disabled parking spaces, will be located at basement level.

Furthermore, the podium level includes the provision of 12 car parking spaces.

Another 543 long-stay bicycle spaces will be found at the basement and surface level.

In terms of vehicular access, developers will partially realign and widen Rehoboth Place to provide a new carriageway width of 5m for fire and refuse truck access.

Vehicular access will also be through Rehoboth Place and vehicular exit will go through South Circular Road.

Three pedestrian access points are on South Circular Road, Rehoboth Place and Rehoboth Avenue.

Hines sought permission to build in 2020, alongside another large-scale development on the site of the former Player Wills factory in Dublin.

They faced legal challenges in the interim with progression coming to a standstill in the interim.

Nevertheless, they secured the go-ahead in November 2024.

Feature Image Credit: Henry J Lyons

Mar 14

1

Renewed bid for €68m Office Development at former City Arts Centre in Dublin

By Aoibhin Bryant | Industry News

Developers Ventaway Limited have renewed their bid to build a €68 million office development at the former City Arts Centre in Dublin.

After An Bord Pleanala shot down previous plans, the new proposal seeks to construct a building 14 storeys in height. This is a far cry from the initially proposed 24-storey building.

The plan will see the demolition of all existing buildings on site. Structures under a Dangerous Buildings Notice may be demolished before the Council decides.

The building is primarily for office use but will also include an arts centre, a café and an auditorium.

The proposed arts centre will remain on the ground and lower ground floor levels.

Offices will occupy space from the ground to the 13th floor.

A double basement will provide parking spaces, including 11 car parking spaces, 314 bicycle spaces and three motorcycle parking spaces.

Developers Ventaway Limited have renewed their bid to build a €68 million office development at the former City Arts Centre in Dublin. Credit: Henry J Lyons

A further 16 short-stay bicycle spaces will be available at ground floor level along the western site boundary.

Although the building will be shorter than previously planned, it will be wider with a gross floor area of 28,569 sq.m, including 910 sq.m. arts centre and 23,501 sq.m. offices;

This is up from the 22,587 sq.m. for office space in the refused plan.

Ventaway first submitted plans for the site in 2022, at 24 storeys it was projected to be Dublin’s tallest building.

However, Dublin City Council refused permission with An Bord Pleanala upholding this decision in 2024.

In their report, the board found that the building would “seriously detract from the setting and character of the Custom House and environs”.

ABP further believed that it would “stand apart as an overly assertive solo building”.

The City Arts Centre

The site has been largely out of use since 2003 when The City Arts Centre vacated the spot.

The organisation was set up in 1973 in response to a growing need for an art and culture centre for working-class teenagers living in the inner-city during a time of economic turmoil.

Although occupying a number of spaces during its lifespan, its Moss Street location was its most prolific.

The band U2 moved into the centre in 1988, providing fully equipped rehearsal spaces for starting-up bands in the basement.

At the time, it was the largest centre of its kind in Ireland.

It was liquidated in 2012.

Feature Image Credit: Henry J Lyons

“Much needed affordable housing”

An Bord Pleanála’s Decision

The City Arts Centre

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