Planning Permission Sparks Housing Debate in Dundrum, South Dublin
Stalled planning permission in Dundrum is intensifying as locals and developers clash over housing development amid Dublin’s growing demand.
Dundrum, a south Dublin suburb once known for its village atmosphere, has become a focal point in the city’s housing crisis due to delayed approval of a major housing scheme. The site of the old shopping centre, co-owned by Allianz and Hammerson, has potential for 881 apartments, but the lack of planning permission has caused community frustration and threatens to stall local regeneration efforts. This inertia fuels concerns that the area’s housing needs and main street revitalization remain unmet, despite the urgent need for homes in Dublin 14.
Over the past two decades, Dublin suburbs like Dundrum have seen increased apartment block construction as part of densification efforts to meet housing demand. Since 2015, almost 43,000 apartments were built county-wide, aiming to address shortages. However, local residents express mixed feelings; some hope new development will stabilize soaring prices and allow families to remain nearby, but this has not yet materialized. The planning permission process, including possible referrals to An Bord Pleanála, and environmental impact assessments, presents challenges that contribute to delayed development.
The stalled projects highlight tensions between community desires, investor interests, and regulatory requirements. For example, issues like material contravention of existing zoning and concerns over flood-risk development complicate approvals. Meanwhile, the Dublin property market in 2025 continues to face low supply and strong competition. Just 32,949 new homes were completed last year, meeting government targets yet still falling short of estimated needs by thousands of units annually. This supply-demand mismatch drives pressure on planning authorities to streamline housing scheme approval without compromising environmental standards.
Local voices emphasize the need for active occupancy in new developments rather than long-term vacancies, as seen in some Dublin areas where apartments remain unoccupied or are absorbed by rental investors. The Dundrum case underscores the broader national challenge of balancing planning permission processes with urgent housing delivery, community cohesion, and sustainable development goals.
Originally reported in on Tue, 02 Dec 2025 08:38:35 +0000. Full story
