The Land Development Agency (LDA) has announced the acquisition of a new site in Baldoyle in north Dublin, with existing planning permission for 1,931 homes. This site has been earmarked for housing since 2016.
The land is next to the LDA’s Clongriffin/ Cluain Ghrífín land, which means the agency now has the potential to deliver over 4,000 new affordable homes in the area surrounding Clongriffin Station.
The 18-hectare Baldoyle development, formerly part of “The Coast” housing project, has planning permission for enhanced community amenities. These include permanent train station access, a creche, commercial units, new parks, and improved transport infrastructure. Situated east of Clongriffin station, near Stapolin and Baldoyle residential areas, the site is bordered by the Dublin-Belfast railway (west), Fingal County Council parklands (north), and the planned Racecourse Park (northeast).
The neighbouring Clongriffin/ Cluain Ghrífín land has the potential to deliver over 2,000 homes. Work has already commenced on a first phase involving 408 homes, which will be delivered in two apartment blocks.
The acquisition of both sites means the LDA is well-positioned to oversee the delivery of over 4,000 new homes in the area and services, amenities and new infrastructure. The LDA is working closely with Dublin City Council (DCC), FCC and other local stakeholders and community representatives to coordinate an integrated approach for the area, which includes land owned by both local authorities.
John Coleman, CEO, LDA, commented: “The purchase of this land is a major strategic accomplishment for the LDA. We now own two neighbouring sites in the area surrounding Clongriffin railway station, and we are positioned to deliver over 4,000 affordable homes in addition to new facilities, services, amenities and commercial outlets. We intend to work closely with the existing communities in this area and with stakeholders to ensure that in addition to delivering housing, we also build on the existing plans for Clongriffin and Baldoyle to create vibrant and sustainable new neighbourhoods.
“The sites we have purchased have been earmarked for development for some time, but projects either stalled or did not get underway. The LDA is well-funded and able to maximise the potential of these sites and, crucially, deliver affordable housing. The LDA is already delivering homes on state-owned land and through homebuilder partnerships. To speed up housing delivery and to strengthen our development pipeline, we announced our intention also to purchase privately owned sites with planning permission in 2023.
“We have now purchased three major sites, and we expect to announce more acquisitions soon, provided we can complete them at the right price. We are focussing on sites with the potential for a significant number of homes and the opportunity to develop new and vibrant communities.”
In developing the LDA-owned land in Clongfriffin and Baldoyle, the agency will examine and work to support existing plans for the area and ensure they are incorporated into its designs. This includes the Dart+ scheme and FCC’s plans for Racecourse Park.