Upcoming Construction Projects

Nov 14

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Plans applied for €66m residential development in Kerry

By Aoibhin Bryant | Upcoming Construction Projects

Plans for a €66 million Large Scale Development in Kerry have been put forward.

Applicants Ned O’Shea & Sons Construction Ltd have sought permission to construct a 235-unit housing development at Lisloose, just under 2km from Tralee’s town centre.

Plans seek to demolish disused agricultural outhouses and sheds on the lands and construct a range of both houses and apartments in its place.

A total number of 129 houses are hoped to be built, with a breakdown of eight four-bed two-storeys, 83 three-bed two-storeys, 34 two-bed two-storeys and four two-bed dwellings with just one storey.

Permission has been sought to build a 235-unit housing development near Tralee valuing at €66 million. Credit: Brendan Williams

These houses would be built in a mixture of semi-detached and terraced styles.

Of the 106 apartments, 48 will be one-beds built across 12 two-storey blocks of four apartments each.

A further 20 one-bed and 22 two-bed apartments will be constructed for two four-storey apartment blocks (Blocks J1 and J2).

Each block will provide 10 one-beds and 11 two-beds respectively.

A further eight one-beds and eight two-beds are also planned to be built.

A total number of 129 houses and 106 apartments are planned for the Large Scale Residential Development, alongside a retail unit and creche. Credit: Brendan Williams

On top of residential dwellings, the applicants aspire to build a retail unit and a creche in one of the apartment blocks.

The plans have parking spaces for 372 cars and 349 bicycles.

Shared open spaces for residents are included in plans, as well as landscaping and all other associated and ancillary site works.

Ned O’Shea & Sons Construction Ltd put forward their plans to Kerry County Council in October of this year.

Featured Image Credit: Brendan Williams

Oct 04

2

New National Maternity Hospital for St. Vincent’s University Hospital Goes To Tender

By Aoibhin Bryant | Upcoming Construction Projects

A new National Maternity Hospital at St. Vincent’s University Hospital has officially gone to tender.

The €182m development initially received the go-ahead from Cabinet last July.

The Health Service Executive (HSE) has now began their search for a bidder to fund the new hospital.

Once a successful bidder has been found, Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly will return to Cabinet for the signing of contracts.

The project will then proceed to the main construction phase.

The plan sees the hospital relocated from its original building at Holles Street to its new campus with 244 beds (including 38 in-patient beds) on a 10.55 hectare site.

Existing facilities will be demolished and in its place, a new 53,676m2 square metre gross floor area building will be developed at the eastern end of the St. Vincent’s University Hospital Campus.

This building will rise to up to seven storeys in height above ground level, with one partial basement level.

It will provide medical and surgical specialities for maternity, gynaecology, paediatrics, neonatology, pathology, genetics, anaesthesia, emergency medicine, endocrinology/diabetes, pain management, oncology, colposcopy, urodynamics, foetal medicine, haematology, and replacement facilities for St. Vincent’s University Hospital including a new dermatology unit, a medical records department, finance department offices and ancillary shared facilities.

The plan sees the National Maternity Hospital relocated from its original building at Holles Street to its new campus with 244 beds (including 38 in-patient beds) on a 10.55 hectare site. Credit: ARC

To accommodate the additional demand of the new hospital, the existing multi-storey car park at St Vincent’s University Hospital will be expanded with two levels vertically and a five-level extension to make way for 277 new spaces and two new entrances.

In order to not disrupt the daily operation of the hospital campus, the development will be constructed in a sequential manner with provisions made for temporary accommodation on the site.

Minister of Health Stephen Donnelly welcomed Cabinet’s approval last July as an “important milestones” towards the delivery of the new National Maternity Hospital.

“The new National Maternity Hospital will be the biggest and most important investment in women’s healthcare in Ireland in decades. The quality of care delivered at the existing NMH at Holles Street is of the highest standard but is currently limited by infrastructural constraints,” he said in his announcement.

“The new NMH is designed to be aligned with leading international standards which will result in improved patient and family experiences. Co-location of the NMH with St Vincent’s at Elm Park will enable greater and more direct access to a wide range of critical care and specialist medical services, reducing risk for both the mother and the newborn baby.”

Minister Donnelly also stressed that the new hospital will not merely be a replacement but “offer almost 50% more in-patient and day case beds and provide additional capacity to manage national unmet need for women’s health services”.

“The contemporary design of the new NMH provides flexibility to allow for the delivery of clinical services and to adapt to both expected and unforeseen change into the future.”

Feature Image Credit: ARC

Sep 01

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Green light for €313m 1,325 apartments in Cork’s city centre

By Aoibhin Bryant | Upcoming Construction Projects

Cork City Council has approved plans for the largest residential development to date in the city centre.

Applicants Leeside Quays Ltd ( a subsidiary of O’Callaghan Properties) were given the go-ahead to deliver their €313 million plan for 1325 apartments on the Gouldings Site in Cork’s docklands.

The development will see the demolition of all existing buildings and structures on site (bounded by Centre Park and Monahan Road) to build the apartments and duplexes across 10 different buildings, running from two to 14 storeys over basement.

Of these apartments, 658 will be one-beds, 465 will be two-beds and 202 will be three-beds.

Of these 1325 apartments, 658 will be one-beds, 465 will be two-beds and 202 will be three-beds across 10 buildings varying from two to 14 storeys. Credit: Henry J Lyons Architects

The first block (G1) will comprise of 182 residential units (87 one-beds, 62 two-beds, and 33 three-beds), varying from five to eight storeys.

Block G2 will have 237 units (134 one-beds, 95 two-beds, and 44 three-beds) across six to eight storeys.

Block G3A is six to eight storeys and will comprise 103 units (63 one-beds, 24 two-beds and 16 three-beds).

Block G3B will have seven to eight storeys and just 77 units (44 one-beds, 20 two-beds and 13 three-beds).

Block G4A will range from three to seven storeys and provide 115 units (52 one-beds, 46 two-beds and 17 three-beds)

Block G4B comes up to seven storeys with 60 units (21 one-beds and 39 two-bed).

Block G5 has 162 units (75 one-beds, 54 two-beds and 33 three-beds), climbing up to three to seven storeys.

Block G6 will range from three to seven storeys at 172 units in total (83 one-beds, 58 two-beds and 31 three-beds).

Block G7 is at a similar height of three to seven storeys but with only 91 apartments (50 beds, 26 two-beds and 15 three-beds).

Finally, at the development’s tallest, is Block G8 rising up to an impressive 14 storeys and holding 172 apartments (50 one-beds, 26 two-beds and 15 three-beds).

A standalone two-storey creche of 665 s.q.m and associated outdoor amenities was also proposed in plans.

On the ground floor level across the 6.84ha development, four cafes and restaurants with outdoor seating areas are planned, as well as five service retail units, one convenience retail store with a licence to sell alcohol and four offices.

On the ground floor level across the 6.84ha development, four cafes and restaurants with outdoor seating areas are planned, as well as five service retail units, one convenience retail store with a licence to sell alcohol and four offices. Credit: Henry J Lyons Architects

The council also gave a gym of 233 sq.m the green-light, and further play and exercise areas will be allocated across the site (consisting of 25,384 sq.m of public open space).

Vehicular access will be provided to the basement with 300 car parking spaces in total (17 disability spaces, 60 EV spaces and five car share spaces) as well as 1,338 long-stay cycle park spaces and 30 motorcycle spaces.

An additional three disability spaces, 355 short-stay cycle parking spaces and two set-down areas will be distributed across the on-surface level.

A mobility hub is also proposed on Centre Park Road.

Cork City Council approved plans on August 24 subject to 51 conditions.

Cork City Council approved plans on August 24 subject to 51 conditions. Credit: Henry J Lyons Architects

Among these conditions, the council ruled that the proposed creche would be omitted. Instead, the applicants will submit revised plans for the provision of a similar-sized creche within Block G5.

They also ruled that a maximum of 21 car-parking spaces will be allocated for non-residents.

Feature Image Credit: Henry J Lyons Architects

Jul 12

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Construction begins on €37m Strategic Housing Development in Meath

By Aoibhin Bryant | Upcoming Construction Projects

Construction of the €37 million residential development at Grange End in Dunshaughlin, Co Meath is to begin this month.

On July 14, work is to get started on the building of 37 houses.

Among these houses, they will comprise three detached four-bed houses, eight semi-detached four beds, two detached three-beds, eight semi-detached three-beds and 16 terraced three-beds.

They will be numbered 15 & 16 Grange Park, 01-13 Grange Park Green, 01-06 Grange Park Road and 01-16 Grange Park Place, Dunshaughlin respectively.

Applicants Loughglynn Developments Ltd T/A Hora Homes previously secured planning for the demolition of two derelict buildings and the construction of 211 dwellings in total, consisting of 112 two-storey houses (21 four-beds, 92 three-beds) and 99 apartments.

The apartments will be built in six three-to-four-storey blocks with six one-beds, 90 two-beds and three three-beds.

Credit: Digital Dimensions

All residential dwellings will have associated private gardens, balconies or terraces to the north, south, west or west of the elevations.

Plans were granted for the provision of 362 car parking spaces and 264 secure bike parking spaces.

The construction of a creche is also included in plans alongside a new civic park.

Works to configure a 250m section of the Dunshaughlin (East) Main Distributor Road were approved along with provisions for new verges, paths and cycle lanes to be realigned along the R125 to create a new street.

Additional vehicular access is also underway.

With plans put forward in May 2020, An Bord Pleanála approved the Strategic Housing Development back in September 2020 under a number of conditions.

Among these conditions, it includes the omission of one house, a pedestrian and cycle path to be provided to the south of house number 3 and no more than 75 residential units to be occupied until the completion of the childcare facility (unless the developer can demonstrate to the planning authority that a childcare facility is not needed at that time).

Credit: Digital Dimensions

Developers were also to pay a financial contribution to the planning authorities in respect of public infrastructure and facilities prior to commencement of construction.

On top of that, they were expected to lodge a cash deposit, a bond of an insurance company, or other
security to the local authority to secure the protection of the trees on site and the completion and maintenance of roads, footpaths, watermains, drains, public open space and other services required in connection with the development.

Featured Image Credit: Digital Dimensions

Jul 06

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Approval granted for €290 m mixed development ‘Guinness Quarter’

By Aoibhin Bryant | Upcoming Construction Projects

Dublin City Council has approved the €290 million mixed development of hotels, offices and housing at the Guinness brewery site.

To be built at a 12.5-acre site on James Street, the ‘Guinness Quarter’ will consist of a total of 336 residential units, two hotels (with 304 beds between them) and a number of buildings for office space.

Of these apartments, there will be 45 studios, 88 one-beds, three two-beds (for three people), 163 two-beds (for four people) and 37 three-beds built with 90 of these to be build-to-rent in a 16-storey building.

A new 300-seater performance space, a markethall, a foodhall, and various venues for retail, café, restaurant and pub spaces are to be constructed.

Dublin City Council has approved the €290 million mixed development of hotels, offices and housing at the Guinness brewery site. Credit: Model Works

One hotel will have 100 beds in total and will be four to six storeys in height, on the ground floor there’s to be a bar, reception, a meeting rooms and restaurant.

The other hotel will be bigger at 204 beds from four to six storeys and will include a rooftop bar and restaurant and also a swimming pool.

Ground Level will provide reception, toilets, bar, restaurant and ancillary front of house.

Dublin City Council also approved the provision of five new office buildings ranging in heights from eight to ten storeys.

A number of buildings are set to be demolished as part of the development alongside the reservation of a number of existing protected structures on the site.

A new 300-seater performance space, a markethall, a foodhall, and various venues for retail, café, restaurant and pub spaces are to be constructed. Credit: Model Works

Some of these protected structures include St James’s Gate, the original jome of Arthur Guinness 1 Thomas Street and the early Brewhouses 1 and 2 – these will all be restored and repurposed.

Dublin City Council approved Ballymore’s application subject to a number of conditions.

The build-to-rent apartments will not be used for short-term lettings in the “interests of orderly development and clarity”.

Ballymore must also pay a development contribution of €10.6 million to the local authority “in respect of public infrastructure and facilities benefiting [the] development”.

This fee will be paid once the development commences.

Ballymore hailed the project as one ‘of the most exciting regeneration schemes in Europe’.

The development also has the ambition to become Dublin’s first Carbon Zero District.

Feature image credit: Model Works

Jun 27

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Construction to begin of €97million co-living space in Dublin

By Aoibhin Bryant | Upcoming Construction Projects

Construction is set to begin for the €97 million co-living space at the Old Glass Factory on Cork Street in Co Dublin.

Work on a part four to part seven-storey building over basement with 377 bedspaces will commence on July 3.

Of these bed spaces, 357 are to be single occupancy rooms, eight are to be single occupancy accessible rooms and six will be double occupancy rooms with circulation cores.

A communal kitchen, living and dining room will be on each floor to serve residents.

On the ground floor, a café will be constructed alongside a communal residential amenity space which will also be at the basement level.

Construction is set to July 3 for the €97 million co-living space at the Old Glass Factory on Cork Street in Co Dublin. Credit: 3D Design Bureau

This amenity space includes provisions for a reception/shared communal area, a communal lounge/social room, a cinema and yoga space, a gymnasium and a library and workspaces.

Resident support facilities such as a laundry, a post room, accessible toilets at ground floor level, a staff room, a bin store and landscaped amenity gardens will be provided.

From the first to the fourth floor, an external balcony/terrace facing south will be accessed from the communal living, kitchen and dining rooms.

On the fifth floor, there will be a roof garden facing north, south and west as well as a balcony/terrace facing south.

Another balcony/terrace facing south will be on the sixth floor.

The development also proposed a pedestrian connection between Cork Street and John Street South along the eastern boundary and car, motorcycle and bicycle parking spaces.

Although co-living schemes are now banned, planning approval was obtained before the official ban came into place in December 2020.

Approval was granted by An Bord Pleanála on the condition that the number of units be reduced to 19.

The development received several objections from both local residents and councillors.

Work officially commenced in December 2022 with the demolition of existing buildings including 118-122 Cork Street and all associated outbuildings.

Feature Image Credit: 3D Design Bureau

Sep 30

2

Terenure Apartment Scheme gets go-ahead from An Bord Pleanála

By Aoibhin Bryant | Upcoming Construction Projects

An Bord Pleanála has approved plans to fast-track the development of a €106 million apartment scheme in Terenure, Co Dublin.

Construction is set to take place at the “Carlisle” site on Kimmage Road West, located to the north and east of Ben Dunne Gym, south of Captain’s Road, west of Brookfield Green and east of Park Crescent.

The Strategic Housing Development (SHD) by Lioncor Developments will consist of the construction of five blocks, ranging in heights of up to six storeys at their highest.

The blocks will provide 208 residential units, divided equally between one-beds and two-beds.

Every unit will have private balconies and terraces to the north, south, east and west elevations.

Current plans of the 208 apartments have 21 residential units allocated for social housing.

In the board inspector Paul O’Brien’s report for the case, he found that, subject to compliance, “the proposed development would constitute an acceptable residential density at this location, would not seriously injure the residential or visual amenities of the area or of property in the vicinity, would be acceptable in terms of urban design, height and quantum of development”.

The report stated that despite the scheme’s high density, it would “provide for good residential amenity for future occupants whilst ensuring that existing residential amenity can be protected”.

Over 75 objections have been lodged against the scheme, including from residential groups – the Kimmage Dublin Residents’ Alliance, the Kimmage Road Residents’ Association and Terenure West Residents’ Association – and Sinn Fein TD Aengus Ó Snodaigh.

In his objection letter submitted last May, Mr Ó Snodaigh insisted that residents’ objections to the SHD were not ‘nimbyism’.

“Not one of the residents who contacted me in relation to this development argued against housing per se.”

He continued: “Nobody could say that the imposition of five blocks of six-storey apartments backing onto and overlooking the gardens of Dublin Corporation-built 1930s/40s two-storey homes is suitable, as is being proposed with the Carlisle development.”

He also objected to the price guide of the development, with Part V documentation lodged putting an indicative price of €668,155.

Sep 20

1

Green light for €500 million Foynes to Limerick road and Adare bypass

By Aoibhin Bryant | Upcoming Construction Projects

An Bord Pleanála has approved plans for the multi-million euro road linking Foynes to Limerick as well as the Adare bypass.

The €500 million project will connect the port of Foynes to the motorway network.

It will also provide an upgrade to the motorway from Attyfin to Rathkeale.

Expected to measure 35 kilometres, the road will cross through the townlands of Shangolden, Craggs, Askeaton West, Lismakeery, Nantian, Riddlestown, Rathkeale Rural, Rathkeale Urban, Dromard, Croagh, Adare North, Adare South, Clarina and Patrickswell.

An Bord Pleanála also approved plans for the construction of five large bridges, including the much-anticipated Adare bypass – which will see a 200-metre bridge crossing the River Maigue.

This bypass is expected to have a significant impact on reducing congestion in the area.

The road will consist of approximately 15.6km dual carriageway from Foynes to Rathkeale with 1.9km of a single carriageway link road between Ballyclogh and Askeaton. Credit: Google Street View

The road will consist of approximately 15.6km dual carriageway from Foynes to Rathkeale
with 1.9km of a single carriageway link road between Ballyclogh and Askeaton.

Another 17.5km will take up the motorway from Rathkeale to the existing motorway network at Attyflin, which includes the N2, N20 and M20 junctions.

Junctions will be in place for the towns of Foynes, Ballyclogh, Askeaton, Rathkeale, Croagh and Adare.

A service area for heavy goods vehicles is also planned for Foynes.

Limerick City and County Council first applied to An Bord Pleanála for planning permissions in December 2019.

The project’s website states that both the roads and bypass “promote efficient and effective transport links in the Munster region”.

“The project will improve the urban environment of the heritage town of Adare and will increase road capacity, reducing journey times and improving safety for road users.”

Although a decision was expected last year, it was hit with several deferrals.

An Bord Pleanála approved the development subject to five conditions.

In the interim before construction begins, members of the public are invited to inspect the decision.

Aug 30

2

Former City Arts Centre site could see the development of Ireland’s tallest building

By Aoibhin Bryant | Upcoming Construction Projects

Plans have been lodged with Dublin City Council which could see the development of Ireland’s tallest building.

Put forward by John Spain Associates on behalf of Ventaway Limited, the current application seeks ten-year planning permission to construct a building of up to 24 storeys (108.4 metres) in height over a double basement.

The application also seeks the destruction of all existing buildings on the site at the corner of City Quay and Moss Street – where the former City Arts Centre was previously located.

Keeping in touch with its roots, the plan sees an arts centre featured in the building, as well as offices, a gym and other ancillary uses.

The arts centre will be located at the basement, the ground and the first floor.

Meanwhile, the gym is projected to have an entry at ground level from Moss Street.

Dublin Tallest Building City Arts Centre

Plans have been lodged with Dublin City Council which could see the development of Ireland’s tallest building. Credit: Digital Dimensions

Offices will occupy from the ground to the 23rd floor (or 24th storey) with terraces to all elevations.

The double basement will provide parking spaces for 424 bicycles and 11 cars.

The overall gross floor area of the development sums up to 35,910 sq.m. including 1,404 sq.m. arts centre, 22,587 sq.m. office space and 244 sq.m. gym.

An Environmental Impact Assessment Report and Natura Impact Statement have been prepared for the proposed development and have been submitted with the planning application.

The neon sign associated with the City Arts Centre is set to be kept and will be used at the entrance of the new development.

Current proposals see the development coming at just 10m higher than another building at planning stage — a 30-storey apartment building on Parkgate Street.

The City Arts Centre vacated the spot in 2003 and the site has had little activity since this departure.

Keeping in touch with its roots, the plan sees an arts centre featured in the building, as well as offices, a gym and other ancillary uses. Credit: Digital Dimensions

The organisation was set up in 1973 in response to a growing need for an art and culture centre for working-class teenagers living in the inner-city during a time of economic turmoil.

Although occupying a number of spaces during its lifespan, its Moss Street location was its most prolific.

Moving into the warehouse in 1988, the band U2 contributed to the centre and provided fully equipped rehearsal spaces for starting-up bands in the basement.

At the time, it was the largest centre of its kind in Ireland.

It was liquidated in 2012.

Jul 15

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Planning application for MetroLink to be brought forward to An Bord Pleanala in September

By Aoibhin Bryant | Upcoming Construction Projects

The Government has confirmed that a planning application for the long-awaited MetroLink will be lodged with An Bord Pleanala in the coming months.

Last week, Green Party leader and Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan secured agreement from the Cabinet to proceed with the MetroLink rail project.

The sponsoring agency for the project, Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), is now set to put forward a Railway Order planning application to An Bord Pleanala in September.

The project could commence construction as early as late 2025 with hopes that it would be operational in the early 2030s.

The fully automated underground rail system will be the first of its kind in the country, with Ireland currently being one of the only European countries without a metro.

At 19.4 kilometres in length, the proposed route will span from north county Swords to Charlemont, south of the City Centre.

Artist’s impression of the station serving St. Stephen’s Green. Credit: Courtesy of gov.ie

Stations are planned for Dublin Airport, the City Centre as well as serving residential communities in Swords, Ballymun and Glasnevin.

Stations will have connections to Irish Rail, DART lines, Luas services as well as bus and BusConnects services.

Current forecasts indicate that trains will run every three minutes at peak times with the system able to carry up to 20,000 passengers per hour.

By 2060, this could rise to trains every 90 seconds.

A final project cost has yet to be devised as the project must still go through planning and procurement stages.

However, current predictions see a cost of €9.5 billion – the midpoint scenario of a €7.16 billion and €12.25 billion cost range.

The Exchequer will front three-quarters of the cost and one quarter will be paid by the Public Private Partnership (PPP).

Speaking on the decision, Minister Ryan hailed the MetroLink as a “ once in a generation project” that will “massively transform” public transport in Ireland’s capital.

“This project in various guises has been on the table now for 2 decades, but the government’s decision on the MetroLink Preliminary Business Case marks a significant milestone. Now this exciting transport megaproject starts to become a reality,’ he said.

Artist’s impression of MetroLink station serving Collins Avenue. Pic: Courtesy of gov.ie

“We are giving the green light to a transport system that will be integral to the city and the country’s sustainable development in this century, and into the next.”

He iterated that the project is “hardwired” to Ireland’s current climate ambitions with the system set to provide over 1 billion carbon neutral passenger trips by 2050.

“It will contribute to a shift from the private car to more sustainable travel, helping to decarbonise the transport sector in line with government policy,” Minister Ryan continued.

“I’m delighted that the government has agreed with my recommendation to proceed with the project, and I look forward to it entering the statutory planning stage this September.”

Anne Graham, Chief Executive of the National Transport Authoirty (NTA), said that the MetroLink will “encourage more people to get out of their cars and on to public transport.”

In the opposition camp, Sinn Féin spokesperson for Trade Darren O’Rourke welcomed the project’s announcement but called on Minister Ryan to explain the project’s “ballooning cost”.

Artist’s impression of MetroLink station serving Tara Street. Credit: Courtesy of gov.ie

“We need assurances that this project will now be finally delivered on budget and on time, and ahead of schedule if possible,” he said.

“I am concerned about the massive cost escalation for this project already. The original National Development Plan 2018-2027 estimated this would cost €3 billion.

“Today the government are saying it could cost up to €12.25 billion; over quadruple that previous estimate. Construction inflation is pushing up the cost of projects across the board, but not at a rate of over 300%.”

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