New Development Plans for Former Holy Cross College Site in Drumcondra
A fresh proposal has been submitted to Dublin City Council for the former site of Holy Cross College in Drumcondra. This plan outlines a significant residential development featuring 1,131 apartments spread across 12 blocks. The tallest structure in this project will stand at 13 storeys, marking a reduction in scale compared to the previous proposal.
The new scheme involves the demolition of several buildings on the site, including the New Wing and the Library Wing. However, key historical structures such as the Main College Building, Holy Cross Church, South Link Building, The Assembly Hall, and The Ambulatory will be preserved and integrated into the new development. These protected sites are crucial to maintaining the area’s heritage and character.
This revised plan is smaller than the original proposal, which had included nearly 500 more apartments. The initial plans for almost 1,600 apartments were approved by An Bord Pleanala as part of a now-defunct fast-track process. However, these plans faced legal challenges and were ultimately overturned by the Supreme Court last year. As a result, the current proposal has been submitted to address the concerns raised during the review process.
The original scheme, approved in November 2021, also proposed 12 blocks, with one reaching 18 storeys. This plan received over 120 submissions from the public, including strong opposition from Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald. Critics described the development as “completely inappropriate” for the area due to its size and impact on the local environment.
Dublin City Council itself expressed concerns about the original proposal when it was submitted to An Bord Pleanala. The council referred to the development as “alarming” and “unbalanced” for the area, highlighting the need for a more thoughtful approach to urban planning.
Key Points of the Revised Proposal
- Residential Units: 1,131 apartments across 12 blocks.
- Building Heights: The tallest block will have 13 storeys, significantly lower than the original proposal’s 18-storey structure.
- Demolition: Certain newer buildings on the site, such as the New Wing and Library Wing, will be removed.
- Preservation: Protected structures like the Main College Building and Holy Cross Church will remain part of the development.
- Public Concerns: The original plan faced strong opposition due to its scale and potential impact on the local community.
Community Reaction and Legal Challenges
The initial proposal for the Holy Cross College site sparked widespread debate among residents and local officials. Many argued that the scale of the development would not fit well within the existing neighborhood. The legal challenges that followed highlighted the importance of thorough environmental and social impact assessments before approving large-scale projects.
While the revised plan addresses some of the concerns raised, it still needs to go through the formal approval process with Dublin City Council. Public input will likely play a significant role in shaping the final decision.
Future of the Site
As the city continues to grow, the development of underutilized spaces like the former Holy Cross College site presents both opportunities and challenges. Balancing the need for housing with the preservation of historical and cultural landmarks remains a critical issue for urban planners and local authorities.
Residents and stakeholders will be closely watching the progress of this proposal, hoping for a solution that meets the needs of the community while respecting the area’s heritage.
