Fianna Fáil City Councillor for Dublin Central, Mary Fitzpatrick, welcomes the Department of Housing’s recent Stage 1 approval of Dublin City Councils proposal to demolish and regenerate the DCC owned flat complex at St Mary’s Place and Dorset Street.

Cllr Fitzpatrick has called for a “Fasttrack” approval process for such developments by the next Government. 

The report outlining Stage 1 approval can be read HERE.

Cllr Fitzpatrick said:

“The existing 113 flats date back to the 1960s and were first earmarked for regeneration more than ten years ago.  This is a great site, less than 500 meters from O’Connell Street, on a quality bus corridor, in walking distance to schools, employment, colleges, recreation and entertainment. 

This site has the potential to provide more than 150 affordable, sustainable,  city homes and act as a catalyst for regeneration of one of Dublin’s main streets.

Yet it has taken the Department of housing years to grant stage 1 approval for this critical development.  It is damning that it has taken the Department of housing so long to grant Stage 1 approval and highlights the need for the next Government to introduce a “Fasttrack” approval process for applications from Local Authorities for permission to develop housing on their own lands. 

The next government must prioritise and “FastTrack” the regeneration of St Mary’s Place and Dorset Street Flats to provide desperately needed social and affordable housing in Dublin Central.“