€124 Million Apartment Development Approved for Dublin’s Parkgate Street
Developer Joe O’Reilly has received the green light for a €124 million apartment project on Parkgate Street in Dublin 8. The development, strategically positioned near Heuston Station, will consist of two apartment blocks. One will rise to eight storeys, while the other will reach 13 storeys. Dublin City Council granted the planning permission, noting the project’s location on a suitably zoned and serviced redevelopment site, conveniently close to public transport. This area is part of a cluster of taller buildings, making the new development a fitting addition.
The council’s 24-page planning report concluded that the proposed development will not significantly impact existing residential amenities. Instead, it is expected to enhance the built character of the area without detracting from the visual appeal of the Heuston/Parkgate streetscape. Ruirside Developments, the company behind the project, has already secured planning permission for a 30-storey apartment block and a separate eight-storey scheme within the same cluster.
Under the new plan, Ruirside Developments Ltd has proposed selling 31 apartments to the city council for social housing, as mandated by Part V of the Planning and Development Act. The proposed sale is valued at €12.16 million, averaging €392,342 per apartment. If no appeals are lodged with An Bord Pleanála against the permission, the developer can negotiate the final price with the council.
The site earmarked for development was previously occupied by Hickey’s Wholesale Fabrics warehouse and head office for over four decades, dating back to the 1970s. As part of the 24 conditions tied to the planning permission, Ruirside Developments is required to contribute €2.27 million to the council for public infrastructure provision.
Despite the approval, the Montpelier Hill Residents’ Association has voiced several concerns regarding the scheme. They argue that the proposed building heights are excessive and unprecedented for apartment blocks in the local area. The association also expressed worries about potential overdevelopment adjacent to an architectural conservation area. Vikki Brennan, the association’s secretary, stated that “the proposed Blocks B/C will not enhance our local community.”
In contrast, the National Transport Authority (NTA) has expressed support for the development. The NTA believes the project represents a consolidation of residential development in a central location, well-served by mainline and commuter rail stations, the Luas, and a variety of existing and planned bus services.
