Above: The SDZ zone shown in white.
Image provided by DCC Press Office.
The second in a series of four public information sessions on the Poolbeg West Strategic Development Zone took place in Ringsend Library on Thursday 21st July. Hosting the meeting was Myles Farrell of Dublin City Council, who displayed a number of plans of the area.
The council is in the process of preparing a planning scheme for the 34 hectare site, and is inviting submission from any individual or group who has concerns or ideas on the process. Proposals should be submitted to the council by close of business on Thursday August 4th, and meetings with the planning team will be held the following week.
A number of local residents were present at the event, some of whom expressed their concerns about the low level of social housing planned and the overall affordability of the units. They also raised additional concerns about traffic congestion in the area both during and after the proposed development.
The Ringsend Glass Bottle Site Housing Action Group is calling for the entire 3,000 unit build to be assigned as social housing, in an effort to restore affordable living for local residents. 10% of the units are currently required to be put aside for social needs, as a legal requirement. The site famously includes the old Irish Glass Bottle site, that was purchased for €412 million in 2006, and has remained idle ever since.
The remaining public information meetings will be held on Thursday 28th July at 6pm, again in Ringsend Library, and on Friday 29th July at 12.30pm in the Dublin Docklands Development Authority.
By Paul O’Rourke
