Dublin City Council approves 14-storey student scheme near Croke Park

Dublin City Council has approved planning permission for a 14-storey student accommodation and residential development on Russell Street next to Croke Park.

The project, which will be constructed by Westward Property Limited, is set to include 365 purpose-built student accommodation bed spaces alongside 54 residential apartment units. The student accommodation component will feature a mix of six, seven, and eight-bedroom cluster units, as well as 26 studio apartments with shared kitchen and living spaces.

Additionally, the development will provide two commercial units, car and bicycle parking, internal amenity spaces, communal open spaces, and a public plaza. Existing structures on the site, including part of the former Mountjoy Brewery, are scheduled to be demolished to facilitate the construction.

The decision follows local objections from residents living near the Davin Stand of Croke Park. Objectors raised concerns regarding the height, scale, and massing of the 14-storey block, stating it is out of character with neighbouring redbrick terraced streets and would result in a loss of sunlight and privacy. Local TDs also expressed a preference for permanent residential housing over student accommodation in the area, although residents noted they did not oppose the overall redevelopment of the site.