The housing crisis is most acute in Dublin Central where there have been zero new social, affordable or private homes built by the state since 2011. Low and middle income workers can no longer afford to rent or buy in Dublin Central. Young families are forced to move to and commute from the midlands due to the lack of affordable housing in Dublin Central.

The Botanic Strategic Housing Application to An Bord Pleanala is seeking planning approval to build 299 apartments on the former Smurfit site on Botanic Road.

The applicant proposes constructing two apartment blocks of 9 storeys (25.9m excluding rooftop plant), three blocks of 7 storeys (20.2m and 20.6m) and one block of five storeys in height.  Prior to the Governments recent abolition of building heights in the city the maximum height set for the site was 19m.

Mary welcomes any proposals to build desperately needed affordable homes in the area but is disappointed that the application exceeds the recommended development height for the site and includes zero affordable homes.

Everyone recognises the severity of the housing crisis and the desperate need for affordable homes in our area.  However, residents are concerned over the proposed excessive height and scale of the development which will exceed the height of the Phibsborough Shopping Centre tower. 

Mary asked the developers to hold a public information event but they declined.

Together with Iona and District Residents Association Mary is holding an information meeting on Monday April 1, 2019 in The Maples Hotel at 8pm to give residents an opportunity to view the plans, discuss the application and if agreed prepare a submission to An Bord Pleanala.