Part 8 Planning launched for 183 new social housing units in Finglas West
Plans for 183 new social housing dwellings in Finglas West are moving forward.
Dublin City councillors were informed at last Tuesday’s meeting of the North West Area Committee of the council’s intention to initiate a Part 8 planning application for redevelopment at the site of Kildonan Lands. This includes the construction of a new development at the former Finglas Child and Adolescent Centre (FCAC.)
The proposed 4.1 hectare development will consist of the demolition of the majority of the FCAC facility. With 112 general needs social housing dwellings, these will consist of a mix of two and three story houses, duplexes, and apartments.
The development also includes 56 older person’s apartments. These will be arranged in a courtyard block ranging in height from three to four storeys. A two-story supported living facility with accommodation for 15 residents is also included in the proposed plans.
The redevelopment of Kildonan Lands will also accommodate increased pedestrian and vehicle access with the provision of 108 on-street public car parking spaces and five private spaces for the supported living accommodation. There will also be 40 on-street bike parking spaces.
A chapel structure at the site will be retained and extended as part of a new community resource centre. A new park with walks, informal play areas, and the re-conditioning of an existing green space at Cappagh Green aims to uplift and improve public facilities in the area.
Executive Manager for Housing Delivery Martin Donlon explained that the development is a key project in fostering a sustainable community at Kildonan Lands. He said the mix of one-bedroom up to four-bedroom apartments means that the development can “cater to a wide variety of needs.” Mr Donlon said the community uses of the former chapel-turned-community-centre can serve existing groups such as Finglas Men’s Shed.
He said the timeline of the project involves initiating the pre-Part 8 planning process and, following detailed design and tender approvals, the contractor should be awarded by Q1 2028. With an estimated 24 month building period, this will bring the Kildonan Lands redevelopment into 2030.
These plans were welcomed by local councillors, although Councillor Anthony Connaghan did comment on long-standing delays, stating he had first heard about this redevelopment in 2015.
Cllr Mary Callaghan expressed concern about lorries and equipment accessing the narrow entrances into Kildonan Road. The council’s response agreed that there was some concern surrounding the narrow road and that they are hoping to engage with the owners of nearby enterprise lands to use as a route.
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