29 Sep 2025
Appeal lodged with ABP. Case is due to be decided by 10/02/2026.
02 Sep 2025
CWTC Multi Family ICAV, acting for its sub-fund the DBTR DR1 Fund, is applying for a ten-year planning permission for a large-scale residential development on the 8.7-hectare site of the former Holy Cross College, located between Clonliffe Road and Drumcondra Road Lower in Dublin. The site includes several Protected Structures such as the Seminary Building, Holy Cross Chapel, South Link Building, Assembly Hall, and the Ambulatory. While some late 20th-century non-original buildings like the New Wing and Library Wing will be demolished (totaling 6,327 sq.m), key heritage structures will be retained and refurbished.
The development proposes 1,131 apartments across 12 new blocks ranging in height from 3 to 13 storeys, and within one retained structure. These will comprise 268 studios, 282 one-bed, 392 two-bed, 132 three-bed, and 57 four-bed units. The protected Seminary and South Link Buildings will be adapted to accommodate 56 apartments. Residential amenities are distributed across several blocks, and extensive communal open space (approx. 10,323 sq.m) will be provided through courtyards and roof terraces.
Community and cultural uses will be established within the refurbished Holy Cross Chapel, Assembly Hall, and parts of the Ambulatory and Cloister Garden, totalling almost 4,000 sq.m. A crèche of 587 sq.m with an outdoor play area and a retail unit of 306 sq.m are also included. Landscaping includes approximately 23,842 sq.m of public open space, such as a woodland walk, seminary lawn, games area, and playground. Some tree removal will occur, offset by significant new planting.
The development includes 382 car parking spaces (345 for residents and 41 for visitors/accessible use) and 2,619 bicycle spaces. Parking is mainly located in three basement or podium areas beneath Blocks A1, B2–B3–C1, and D2. Two mobility hubs will be located in Blocks A1 and D2, and provision will be made for EV charging and shared bikes. Short-stay bike parking and surface-level visitor parking will also be included.
Access to the site will be via a widened Clonliffe Road entrance (shared with an adjacent hotel project) and a newly reopened entrance on Drumcondra Road Lower at Hollybank Road, restricted to left-in/left-out traffic. Pedestrian and cycle access will also be available from Holy Cross Avenue and via a relocated entrance to the Archbishop’s House. There will be no through access for general vehicles.
Extensive works are proposed to the Protected Structures. The Seminary Building will be carefully refurbished, with non-original additions demolished and salvaged materials reused. The South Link Building will be restored and adapted to include apartments, while the Chapel and Assembly Hall will be preserved for cultural/community use. The Ambulatory colonnade and Cloister Garden will be retained and enhanced. A portion of the stone boundary wall on Drumcondra Road (part of the Archbishop’s House RPS) will be altered to widen access, with original gate piers salvaged and repositioned.
The scheme also includes green roofs, solar PV panels (excluding the Seminary Building), upgraded boundary treatments, lighting, signage, ESB substations, and underground infrastructure. The application is accompanied by an Environmental Impact Assessment Report and a statement of consistency with the Dublin City Development Plan 2022–2028.
To find out more details on this Residential Development in Dublin Granted permission on 2nd September 2025 take the free trial here.
