The Department of Education has intervened in the planning row concerning proposals by Lioncor to build 284 residential units on lands at Terenure College.
The department said in its submission to Dublin City Council concerning the Lioncor proposals that it would like it noted that in the context of the overall 50-acre size of the college site that it was not opposed to the development of 6.5 acres for uses other than educational.
On behalf of the department, Alan Hanlon from its forward planning section, noted that, in this case, the total size of the college was large relative to most other school sites.
Mr Hanlon said the department was now satisfied from its consultation with the school trustees that there was sufficient scope for the remaining lands at the college – circa 44.5 acres – to cater for the wider educational needs of the area, if and when they were required.
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In December, the Lioncor subsidiary, 1 Cellbridge West Land Ltd, lodged plans for the large scale residential development (LRD) scheme with Dublin City Council which in itself was a scaled-down version of a plan that An Bord Pleanála refused two years ago.
The scheme for Fortfield Rd, Terenure, D6, comprises 265 apartments in four blocks and 19 four-bed houses. One of the apartment blocks would be six storeys in height.
With the deadline for objections now closed, more than 70 have been lodged with locals concerned over the height, scale, density, traffic and flood risks.
On behalf of College and Terenure West Residents Association, planning consultant Anthony Marston said the scheme would also have a negative impact on the value of properties adjoining the site.
Mr Marston said that the hit on those values would arise from “the profound overbearing nature of the proposed development, the decrease in light, privacy and significant loss of residential amenity”.
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In a letter lodged with the application, the provincial of the Irish Province of Carmelites, Fr Simon Nolan, said “the college board of management and the Carmelite Order recognises the enormous benefit that this proposed development has for the school and the order”.
“It will allow for a capital injection into Terenure College and secure the college’s future viability as a secondary school as well as benefit the ongoing work and ministry of the Carmelite Order in Ireland, Zimbabwe, and other parts of the world,” he said.
“Development of the site to the northwest of the Terenure College lands will ultimately enhance and secure the continued operation of the school, its playing fields and swimming pool with more than sufficient space to cater for any school expansion.”
A council decision is due later this month
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