Swap AirBnB for housing on Thomas Street: my planning observation

There’s a planning application to convert commercial/office space on Thomas Street to AirBnB-style short-stay apartments. In essence, I think the plans to change from office to accommodation are positive, but regular housing (for rent or purchase) would be preferable and more in line with city policy – especially given Ireland’s housing shortage. UPDATE: Dublin City …

Public event: the Future of the Iveagh Markets

The Iveagh Markets are crumbling, but we’re working to save them and eventually get them reopened. To look at the past, present and future of the markets, Patrick Costello and I are hosting a public meeting on Tuesday 14th March 2023, at 7:30pm in the Digital Hub. We’ll be meeting in the ID8 Studio, 157 …

In support of the Donore Project: planning observation

The Land Development Agency are applying to build 543 apartments in Dublin 8, on the site of the old St. Teresa’s Gardens. I’m very supportive of the application – as it will provide much needed housing supply, particularly in the social housing and cost rental sectors. Below is the short and simple observation I sent …

Approval for Supervised Injection facility “will save lives” – Greens

An Bord Pleanála have approved an application for a supervised injecting facility for Merchant’s Quay in Dublin 8 – a decision which has been welcomed by local Green Party representatives. The injection facility provides a safe, supervised, medical space for people injecting drugs. There are over 90 in operation worldwide.

Guinness Quarter plans: my submission

Diageo and Ballymore are applying for planning permission for a new development in the Liberties, with over 330 homes and a large amount of commercial space. I think it’s a mostly very positive development, and have sent in the submission below. You can check out the (extensive!) planning documents here.

Why precious market space shouldn’t be made into a Centra

Below is a planning observation against an application to convert space intended for a market to a Centra. The space is on Newmarket and Mill Street in the Liberties – previously where the Green Door Market was. The site was redeveloped several years ago on condition that they had a market space – they are …