Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 January 2022
78. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the status of the delivery of genuinely affordable homes to rent and to buy on an estate (details supplied) and Poolbeg, Dublin city. [3324/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe regeneration of Poolbeg West is an important step in the transformation of the Dublin Docklands area, with the potential to provide for 3,500 homes. In June 2021 following a comprehensive international open market campaign, named a consortium of Ronan Group Real Estate, Oaktree Capital Management, and Lioncor Developments (“the Consortium”) acquired a controlling 80% shareholding in the company which owns the glass bottle site for €200m. NAMA maintains a 20% minority interest. The development of the site will be undertaken by the Consortium.
I am advised that in July 2021, a planning application was submitted to Dublin City Council (DCC) for Phase 1 to construct 600 apartments, including 90 affordable and 62 social homes. DCC issued a decision in September 2021, requiring the applicant to revert with further information on matters outstanding. As this site is progressed, my Department is coordinating internally to work with DCC, and the developers to progress this much needed housing.
The Emmet Road (formerly St Michael’s Estate) project is being undertaken by DCC. Current plans propose 484 homes, 375 being Cost Rental and 109 social homes. I met with residents of the area in December 2021. This will be an important site in the development of a long-term model for the large-scale provision of Cost Rental homes.
Approval in principle for €18.75 million in Departmental funding for the Cost Rental homes has been granted for this project. The European Investment Bank has also confirmed support in principle. My Department is also committed to providing funding support for the social housing on this site and to working with all parties to progress both of these developments.
