Construction of 81 Older Persons' Homes Approved

At Monday’s Council meeting, elected members voted by a nearly two-to-one margin to progress with the proposed construction of 81 social homes for older persons on land situated between Seán Walsh Park, Tallaght Stadium and Whitestown Way, Tallaght, Dublin 24.

The development will consist of 63 one bed apartments and 18 two bedroom apartments and will be designated as Older Persons’ accommodation – meaning tenancies will only be allocated to persons aged 55 and over and with priority given to persons aged 65 and over. 

The site is ideally suited for older persons given its proximity to community, shopping, medical and social facilities including excellent transport links.

The proposed development does not result in any loss of amenity because the site currently comprises a works depot location which is not publicly accessible, a Council owned dwelling and ‘community garden’ area that is accessed under licence by the Council and which will be fully relocated.

Consultation Process

Plans of the proposed development initially went on display at the Council offices from 13th September 2018 for a six week period, with a further two week period up to and including 9th November 2018 for submissions and observations to be made to the Council.

A consultation meeting was also arranged on 11th October 2018 in which Councillors from the Tallaght Area Committee and the Principal of Old Bawn Community School attended with officials from the Housing and Architects’ Departments to discuss the proposed development. A total of 576 submissions were received during this consultation period.

Ecological Impact Assessment

As part of the Part 8 submission, an Ecological Impact Assessment was undertaken.  The purpose of the assessment was to identify, quantify and evaluate the impacts of the proposed development on ecosystems and their components, including designated sites, habitats, flora and fauna. The ecologist undertook day and night time site surveys to record bird and bat activity at the site. The assessment provides recommendations including mitigation measures for the disturbance of birds and bats.  These measures will be incorporated into the development’s design and construction.  The ecologist has concluded that with these measures, the proposed development will not cause any significant impacts on designated sites, habitats, legally protected species, or any other features of ecological importance.

The Council will continue to enhance and maintain the park to its current high standards as evidenced by its Green Flag status.