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Aoibhin Bryant

Jun 02
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Credit: Henry J Lyons Architects

Construction of 570 new homes at former Irish Glass Bottle site begins

By | Industry News

The construction of nearly 600 new apartments has begun at the former Irish Glass Bottle site in Ringsend, Dublin 4.

Phase 1 of the €140m Apartment Developments plan, submitted by a consortium of Ronan Group Real Estate, Lioncor Development, Oaktree Capital Ireland Ltd and Pembroke Beach DAC, kicked off in late May.

This phase of the ‘Pembroke Quarter’ plan will see the building of the mixed commercial and residential Blocks K, M and O on a site of 15.3 hectares (adjacent to Sean Moore Road and Clanna Gael Fontenoy GAA club).

With 570 apartments in total, there are set to be 83 three-beds, 277 two-beds, 177 one-beds and 33 studio apartments.

While the majority will be privately owned or build-to-rent units, one-quarter of these units have been allocated for social and affordable housing.

Credit: Henry J Lyons Architects

Phase 1 of the €140m Apartment Developments plan, submitted by a consortium of Ronan Group Real Estate, Lioncor Development, Oaktree Capital Ireland Ltd and Pembroke Beach DAC, kicked off in late May. Credit: Henry J Lyons Architects

Blocks K, M and O are set to be built over a single-storey basement and consist of four buildings in total (Block M will comprise of two separate structures: a larger block and a smaller townhouse block).

A commercial element is also included with Block K to provide a childcare facility, two retail units and a café restaurant on the ground floor.

The site will provide 916 bicycle parking spaces and 166 car parking spaces.

As the first phase of the Poolbeg West Strategic Development Zone Planning Scheme, this construction begins the development of the ‘new suburb’.

The consortium is looking to transform the dockland site which has remained vacant since the glass bottle factory’s closure in 2002.

The project hopes to deliver around 3,800 homes in total as well as 1 million square feet of commercial space, community amenities, schools, parks and open space.

‘Our ambition is to transform the former brownfield lands into a vibrant, integrated urban neighbourhood within walking distance of Dublin city centre; a new city quarter at Dublin Bay,’ the Ronan Group website reads.

Credit: Glassbottle.ie

The Poolbeg West Strategic Development Zone Planning Scheme,hopes to deliver around 3,800 homes in total as well as 1 million square feet of commercial space, community amenities, schools, parks and open space. Credit: Glassbottle.ie

While Dublin City Council approved Phase One in March of last year, subsequent phases of the project will be subject to their own separate planning applications.

Planners expect that the development in total will take about a decade to complete.

Feature image credit: Henry J Lyons Architects

May 26
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Credit: PM Group

Green light for AztraZeneca’s €37million extension to Blanchardstown plant

By | Industry News

AstraZeneca had received approval for their €37 million plan to extend their manufacturing plant in Blanchardstown.

Fingal County Council gave the go-ahead for the ‘next generation’ expansion submitted by AstraZeneca’s subsidiary Alexion Pharma Operations International Ltd.

The development includes a brand new five-storey Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) manufacturing building at their 18.5-hectare site at College Business & Technology Park.

In support of this new manufacturing building, a new two-storey chemical materials store, a new four-storey laboratory building and a medium voltage electrical building will be constructed.

There are also provisions for extensions to the existing warehouse building, including alterations which were previously permitted.

Two yards are to be installed – the first, a chemical material yard, including a liquid nitrogen storage tank, scrubbers and a thermal oxidiser abatement unit.

The other a manufacturing building utilities yard including chillers and other miscellaneous plant and equipment.

There will be an extension to the existing high-level pipe rack connecting all existing and new buildings and yard areas and two new diesel generators and storage tanks.

Further modifications to the site were given the seal of approval, including the attrition of 200 new car park spaces on the eastern side of the site and the expansion of the site’s existing stormwater attenuation/fire water retention pond.

The development is projected to generate 105 additional jobs for the Alexion Biopharmaceutical Campus.

In documents submitted with the planning application, the development is scheduled to take 25 months for construction with hopes it will be fully operational from the first quarter of 2026.

The environmental impact statement (EIS) stated that the facility would use “the latest technology, ideas and digital innovation to meet the needs of the Alexion’s developing portfolio and produce life-saving medicine for patients worldwide”.

No objections were lodged against the proposal and the council approved the plans this month subject to 19 conditions.

Feature image credit: PM Group

Apr 26
0
G-Net 3D

UCC gets approval for €42m new Cork Business School

By | Industry News

Cork City Council has approved plans for a €42 million extension to University College Cork (UCC).

Plans will see the transformation of the 0.66ha site on Copley Street, South Terrace, Union Quay and Stable Lane into a brand new home for Cork University Business School (CUBS), relocating over 4,000 students and 200 staff into the city centre.

The development will see the demolition of all buildings to make way for the construction of a structure ranging from three to six storeys in height. 

G-Net 3D

Plans will see the transformation of the 0.66ha site on Copley Street, South Terrace, Union Quay and Stable Lane into a brand new home for Cork University Business School (CUBS), relocating over 4,000 students and 200 staff into the city centre. Credit: G-Net 3D

It will include lecture theatres, academic offices, study and teaching areas, a restaurant and service rooms, a coffee dock and storage areas for bicycles.

The site on 18 and 19 South Terrace will be renovated to provide both a cafe and a study space, demolishing the two-storey rear extension and boundary wall at 18 South Terrace in the process.

Landscaping provisions are also in place to build a courtyard garden accessed via South Terrace, with a rooftop terrace and a rooftop garden.

G-Net 3D

The development will see the demolition of all buildings to make way for the construction of a building ranging from three to six storeys in height. Credit: G-Net 3D

In regards to the public realm, the footpath on Coley Street will be widened, a pedestrian crossing at the western end of Copley Street is planned and existing car parking spaces on Copley Street are set to be realigned for a mobility access space and loading bay.

In its application statement, agent ​​McCutcheon Halley Chartered Planning Consultants stated that the campus would help the city “to develop and compete on an international scale and to accommodate the projected 50-60% increase in its population up to 2040”.

Submitted in December 2022, UCC sought to change the site’s use from builder’s providers/storage to educational use.

Cork City Council granted permission subject to conditions on April 18.

Feature Image Credit: G-Net 3D

Apr 06
0
Credit: 3D Design Bureau

Construction begins of 569 new homes in Clonburris, Co Dublin

By | Industry News

The construction of 569 new homes for a new neighbourhood in Clonburris, South County Dublin has commenced.

The €128.1m development will provide 569 dwellings in total as well as a creche, an innovation hub and open space.

The project is the first phase of the Clonburris South West Development Area of the Clonburris SDZ Planning Scheme 2019.

Following An Bord Pleanala’s approval of Cairn Homes Property Limited’s submission last year, construction has kicked off on a 4-storey multi-use building – containing a two-storey creche, a two-storey office and part single-storey flexible community space.

Following this, 396 duplex and regular apartment units are planned to go ahead, arranged in blocks ranging in height from four to six storeys.

Clonburris SDZ

The €128.1m development will provide 569 dwellings in total as well as a creche, an innovation hub and open space. Credit: 3D Design Bureau

Block One will have 172 units, comprising 76 one-bedroom, 91 two-bedroom and 5 three-bedroom apartments in a two-building arrangement reaching six storeys in height.

Block 2 and Block 3 will only be four storeys and will both provide 16 one-bedroom and 22 two-bedroom apartments.

A further 148 duplex apartments are planned, comprising 74 two-bedroom and 74 three-bedroom units across 16 three-storey buildings.

All apartments will have a terrace or balcony.

Plans will also see the building of 173 houses – comprising eight two-bedroom houses, 153 three-bedroom houses and 12 four-bedroom houses.

All houses are set to be two storeys in height and vary in semi-detached, terraced, end-terrace units. All will provide parking and private open space.

Clonburris SDZ

The lands of Clonburris, close to Clondalkin and Lucan, have been designated as a Strategic Development Zone (SDZ) by the Government. Pic: Clonburris.ie

The first major new street ‘South Link Street’ will also be constructed.

The lands of Clonburris, close to Clondalkin and Lucan, have been designated as a Strategic Development Zone (SDZ) by the Government.

Located just 13km away from Dublin City Centre, it’s predominantly greenfield land.

Last year, the Government announced intentions to deliver over 8,700 new homes in the area and approved €186 million of funding approved for the new neighbourhood.

So far, 944 new homes have been granted planning permission as part of the scheme with South Dublin City Council set to commence the construction of 381 social and affordable homes in summer 2023.

Speaking at the official commencement of work on the site in February, Housing Minister Darragh O’Brien said: “Clonburris is a prime example of a sustainable neighbourhood, and the state is investing substantial funds to ensure that the necessary infrastructure is in place, this includes parks, community buildings and active travel works. In the future, there will be some 23,000 people living here and enjoying all the amenities.”

Feature Image Credit: 3D Design Bureau

Mar 09
0
Credit: OCA Architects

Student village in Limerick gets the go-ahead

By | Industry News

An Bord Pleanála has given the green light for a new student village in Limerick city.

Last December, Cloncaragh Investments Ltd put forward plans for 30 build-to-rent apartments and another 68 separate apartments at the junction of Punches Cross, with 104 bedspaces in total.

The construction will see the initial demolition of all existing derelict structures on the site.

A street-front four-storey plus recessed penthouse (culminating in six storeys) will be erected in its place.

Operating as student accommodation, the first building will have 54 apartments in the arrangement of 3,4,5,and 6-bedroom configurations.

It will also offer communal facilities including dining rooms, social activity rooms which could provide a gym and cinema/games room.

Credit: OCA Architects

Last December, Cloncaragh Investments Ltd put forward plans for 30 build-to-rent apartments and another 68 separate apartments at the junction of Punches Cross, with 104 bedspaces in total. Credit: OCA Architects

Two ancillary retail units 105.6m2 and 99m2 are also proposed for the building as well as a reception and social areas on the ground and first floor.

Another building to the rear of the courtyard is also planned.

Measuring up to five plus penthouse to seven, it will have 14 student apartments in 5 bedroom configuration. A further 30 build-to rent apartments are also in the apartment – 10 one-beds, 18 two-beds and two three-beds.

At the basement level, more social activity rooms are envisioned which would be suitable for yoga, aerobics and general social use.

Laundry facilities, a total of 76 car spaces for apartments, staff and visitors, a storage area for 326 student bikes and a further separate storage for 50 more bicycles.

Credit: OCA Architects

Operating as student accommodation, the first building will have 54 apartments in the arrangement of 3,4,5,and 6-bedroom configurations. Credit: OCA Architects

In courtyard gardens of 1,486m2, there will be spaces for 48 bicycles and a separate rear courtyard garden of 450m2.

An Bord Pleanála (ABP) approved Cloncaragh Investments Ltd’s bid subject to 29 conditions.

This includes that the 68 apartments will only be used for students in third-level education.

The car parking layout must be resubmitted and allow up to 50 cars to park on the site.

The communal open spaces must be maintained by a management company.

And a minimum of 10% of car parking spaces must provide an electric vehicle charging station.

This is the third time Cloncaragh Investments Ltd have put forward applications to build on the long-vacant site.

Credit: OCA Architects

This is the third time Cloncaragh Investments Ltd have put forward applications to build on the long-vacant site. Credit: OCA Architects

Although ABP had initially quashed their first application, they gave the go-ahead in their second resubmission.

However, a challenge from Environment Trust Ireland (ETI) put this to a halt after argued that the site on the former quarry and petrol station was “contaminated” due to “corroded underground fuel storage tanks”.

High Court judge Mr Justice David Holland made the decision to reject ABP’s decision following failure to pass on a project submission to Limerick’s planning authority in a timely manner.

After recirculating the submission and reconsidering the application, ABP has once again given its approval.

Jan 17
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John Sisk Son Limerick Freyne

John Sisk & Son awarded €65m contract for Limerick-Freyne freight line by Iarnrod Eireann

By | Industry News

John Sisk & Son has been awarded a €65 million contract by Iarnrod Eireann for the Limerick to Foynes freight rail line reinstation.

As part of Iarnród Éireann’s Rail Freight 2040 Strategy, the overall objective is to rehabilitate and renew the existing track and civil engineering infrastructure on the railway line.

Phase One of current plans will include earthworks, the installation of sleepers and rail (supplied by Irish Rail) and also the maintenance and renewal of bridges, culverts, fencing and the road infrastructure at public road level crossings.

Vegetation and existing track will also be removed and a new ballast-bed is required. Bridges along the route will also be made safe.

A further 13 level crossings along the route will also be renewed as well as boundary fencing and drainage.

The installation of service routes for future line signalling, telecoms infrastructure and level-crossing automation is also expected.

John Sisk Son Limerick Freyne

John Sisk & Son has been awarded a €65 million contract by Iarnrod Eireann for the Limerick to Foynes freight rail line reinstation. Pic: John Sisk & Son

Phase One is expected to take 18 months, with initial vegetation removal work commenced by John Sisk & Son in November of last year.

Phase Two will then see the provision of a signalling system for the route, CCTV-level crossings, trains communications systems and track connections and upgrades at Limerick and Foynes yard.

This work is due to be completed by 2025.

“There is real momentum behind the Foynes line reinstatement project. With Exchequer funding having been confirmed in November, we are delighted to be able to announce the contract award to Sisk just weeks later,” said Iarnród Éireann Chief Executive Jim Meade.

“In partnership, we look forward to bringing this critical, sustainable infrastructure to fruition, as we contribute to the decarbonisation goals for transport in Ireland.

Paul Brown, CEO of John Sisk & Son, expressed the company’s delight in delivering “more vital rail infrastructure”.

“At Sisk we are active across our business in delivering sustainable infrastructure and this line, initially being brought back into service for freight, is part of Iarnród Éireann’s Rail Freight 2040 Strategy, and the recently launched strategic review of the Shannon Foynes Port Company Masterplan, Vision 2041.

“It will bring back the connection between rail and ship services and promote sustainable transport by strengthening freight transport via rail and sea. We look forward to delivering this project in partnership with Iarnród Éireann and our supply chain partners.”

Originally opening in 1858, the 42km line retired passenger traffic in 1963.

Freight services continued until 2001.

Dec 23
0
Credit: O'Mahony Pike

Plans applied for nearly 1,000 new apartments in Blanchardstown

By | Building Information Ireland

Plans for almost 1000 new apartments in Blanchardstown have been put forward.

BNY Mellon-owned Blanche Retail Nominee Ltd submitted an application to Final County Council for a €274m mixed-use development at what is known as the White Car Park (for Retail Park 2) and a section of surrounding roads.

With a site area of 6.62ha, the proposed Large-scale Residential Development (LRD) will see the construction of a new development for 971 apartments in seven different buildings ranging from one to 16 storeys in height (Blocks A-G).

Of these apartments, plans see 117 studios, 368 one-beds, 422 two-beds, and 64 three-beds.

Another seven commercial units are included in the current plans as well as a childcare facility, a community facility and a Place of Worship.

Further amenity floorspace will be provided to serve the residential units in Blocks A, B, D, E and F.

In a part one to part sixteen storey building, Block A will have 246 apartments (30 studio, 95 one-bed, 96 two-bed, and 25 three-beds apartment units) as well as the childcare facility and one commercial unit on the ground floor.

There will be an external roof terrace on the twelfth floor.

In a part six to part twelve-storey building, Block B has 101 apartments (64 one-beds, 32 two-beds and five three-beds) and an external roof terrace on the eighth floor.

In a part six to part eight-storey building, Block C consists of 38 apartments (two studios, 16 one-beds, 18 two-beds and two three-beds) and two commercial units at the ground level and a roof terrace on the sixth floor.

In a part eleven to part fourteen-storey building, Block D has 76 apartments (one studio, 71 two-beds and four three-beds).

In a part one to part eleven-storey building, Block E comprises of 204 apartments (38 studios, 61 one-beds, 91 two-beds and 14 three-beds) and a roof terrace on the eighth floor.

In a part one to part eight storey building, Block F has 114 apartments (30 studios, 41 one-beds, 34 two-beds and nine three-beds) with a roof terrace on the fourth floor.

Credit: Visual Lab

Of these apartments, plans see 117 studios, 368 one-beds, 422 two-beds, and 64 three-beds. Credit: Visual Lab

Finally, Block G, in a part five to part twelve-storey building, will have 192 apartments (16 studios, 91 one-beds, 80 two-beds and five three-beds), a commercial unit at ground floor level and two roof terraces – on the ninth and eleventh floor respectively.

All apartments will be provided with a balcony or a private terrace.

Plans also aspire to construct a Mobility Hub of seven levels with a total of 546 car parking spaces.

It will also be the location of three commercial units and the aforementioned place of worship and community facility.

Cycle parking will also be available and access to a roof garden area.

A further 487. car parking spaces for the residential units are provided in the basement level of Blocks A, B, C, E, F and G.

The site of the application is bound by Blanchardstown Road South to the northwest and Retail Park 2 and existing surface parking to the north/north-east, provisions for a new access road junction from Blanchardstown Road South are also included in the development plans.

The submission comes after Fingal County Council recently gave Blanche Retail Nominee Ltd the go-ahead for 348 new apartments in a mixed-use development in the northwest Dublin suburb in October of this year.

Nov 15
0
Credit: Davey + Smith Architects

Council green light for over 400 new homes in Dublin

By | Industry News

South Dublin County Council has given approval for over 450 new homes.

The council made the approval for the homes for Tubber Lane, Adamstown in Lucan in October after plans were submitted by Hugh McGreevy & Sons Ltd last December.

The mixed residential development will see 455 units in total, with a variety of two and three-storey semi-detached and terraced houses, as well as duplex units apartments in three and four-storey blocks.

Of the houses, there are set to be 58 two-bed, two-storey terraced houses; 6 three-bed, two-storey semi-detached houses; 190 three-bed, two-storey, terraced houses; 5 three-bed, three-storey, terraced houses and 6 four-bed, two-storey, terraced houses.

There will be 12 apartment blocks in total.

For seven of the apartment blocks, 111 apartments will be provided – including 32 one-beds, 22 two-beds and 57 three-bed duplex apartments over 3 storeys.

Another four apartment blocks will have 37 apartments/duplexes of 8 one-beds and 29 three-bed duplex apartments over 4 storeys.

The other apartment block located on a site south of Tubber Lane will have 42 apartments including 2 one-beds and 40 two-beds over 4 storeys.

In the planning report submitted by agent John Spain Associates, they stated that the development would be an appropriate form of residential development in regards to the SDZ zoning objective and the provisions of the Adamstown SDZ Planning Scheme.

The report added: “The mix of dwelling types and sizes will provide an appropriate choice to meet the needs of different lifecycle stages and help facilitate the creation of a ‘sustainable and vibrant community’ as supported by the Adamstown Planning scheme.”

South Dublin City Council approved the development subject to 37 conditions, which included the developer/landowner submitting a detailed phasing schedule “in the context of the delivery of units in the overall SDZ development”.

The developer will also pay a financial contribution of €4,727,535.11 to the Planning Authority regarding public infrastructure.

Nov 04
0
Credit: Google Street View

Plans applied for new hotel and apartments at St Stephen’s Green

By | Industry News

Plans have been applied for a new 126-bed hotel at St Stephen’s Green.

Charlie and Max O’Reilly-Hyland of ORHRE SSG Limited lodged plans with Dublin City Council to convert 92 St Stephen’s Green into five apartments and convert 93 St Stephen’s Green from office use into a hotel.

Of these five apartments, four will be one-bedroom apartments and one will be a three-bedroom unit with a private courtyard and staried access to St Stephen’s Green.

The hotel, overlooking the Iveagh Gardens, will be part 6-storey, part-8 storey over basement with a spa on the lower ground floor level, reception on the ground floor and dining facilities at first floor level.

Bicycle parking and among other associated site development works with existing access points from St. Stephen’s Green will be retained.

In the planning report submitted alongside planning permission, planning consultant John Spain asserted that the proposed development of the recently-restored Georgian buildings will make “efficient reuse of a protected structure which is currently underutilised office and partially vacant”.

As a protected structure, Mr Spain affirmed that the plans are “sympathetic” to its environments and the hotel and apartments will demonstrate the “existing under-utlised Georgian properties and will be successfully integrated into the surrounding area”.

As current plans would see the scrapping of late 20th century modern additions to the building and a reinstation of the original facade at the southern entrance, Mr Spain believes that the conversion could constitue a “significant conservation gain”.

He also stated that current plans of a residential development at 92 St Stephen’s Green would bring the building back to its “original use”.

The hotel – designed by Reddy Architecture + Urbanism – at no. 93 would in turn complement the residential element.

Plans were applied on October 21 with the last day of observation due for November 24.

Oct 28
0
Credit: Hammerson

Construction of over 100 apartments begins in Dundrum

By | Industry News

Construction has begun on a residential scheme set to deliver 122 apartments in Dundrum.

A joint venture by Dundrum Town Centre owners Hammerson and Allianz Real Estate, the project titled “The Ironworks” is located on the Sandyford Road entrance of the Dundrum Estate.

The apartments will be professionally managed on a long-term rental basis, with 107 of these to be located within The Ironworks – consisting of one studio, 50 one-beds and 56 two-beds.

A further 15 one-bed apartments will be built within Dundrum Town Centre.

On top of the over 100 “sustainably-built homes”, the development will also include a co-working space, a residents’ lounge, a gym, a panoramic terrace and a new coffee shop.

The building will have solar photovoltaics and a green roof.

As part of Hammerson’s first Irish residential-led scheme, all homes will be designed to optimise light and heat recovery ventilation.

Social housing will also be “fully integrated” into the plan with the development set to be completed by 2025.

“Working with our chosen construction partner, Glenbeigh Construction Limited, and other skilled Irish design and operational partners, our vision is to create a sustainable residential development for the local community,” said Connor Owens, Ireland’s Managing Director Asset Management in Hammerson.

“The Ironworks will foster a vibrant community attuned to the heritage and culture of the area.

“We hope this will be a benchmark for residential-led developments for generations to come.”

Nicole Hötsch, Head of Investments & Strategic Development for North & Central Europe at Allianz Real Estate, said they are excited to bring “much-needed residential stock” to the Dublin market.

“The residential sector is one of the most prominent, institutional, stable asset classes benefitting from long-term trends which have created an urgent demand for housing in most cities around the world.”

Jointly owning Dundrum Town Centre with Allianz, Hammerson also owns Dublin’s Ilac Centre and Sword Pavillions with Irish Life.