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 …

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 …

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 …

The New South Circular Road Cycle Lane: ideas to improve

It’s finally coming! I’ve been pushing for a long time for some kind of cycle protection along the South Circular Road, running from Suir Road Luas stop to the Phoenix Park. Last September I set out an idea for a two-way segregated cycle track, but after discussing in detail with a city engineer, it seems …

Co-Living application for Kilmainham: why it should be rejected

Below is an observation I submitted against a co-livng plan for the Carrigan’s Pub site on Old Kilmainham. I would like to see the site developed for housing for rent or purchase, but think that co-living is a bad housing model. Update: Dublin City Council rightly rejected the application in March 2021. You can read …