Construction BUSINESS

Dublin City Council is set to finalise plans for the redevelopment of the vast Dublin Industrial Estate in Glasnevin, marking the city’s largest industrial land transformation since the Dublin Docklands. The Ballyboggan Local Area Plan (LAP) will guide the regeneration of 75 hectares of underdeveloped industrial land, situated just 3km from the city center. Key stakeholders and major landowners will collaborate with the council on this significant undertaking.

The expansive estate, bordered by Finglas Road, Ratoath Road, Cabra, and Tolka Valley Park, is poised for a transformation that includes rezoning for high-density residential developments. While some landowners have expressed intentions to relocate, local residents have raised concerns about the scale of development, particularly opposing high-rise structures near their homes.

With the Maynooth and Royal Canal Railway line running through the site and the Green Luas Line serving the area, the LAP aims to create a well-connected community. Plans envision a ’15-minute city’ concept, emphasizing mixed-use developments that integrate residential and employment spaces, providing residents with easy access to work, amenities, and cultural facilities within a short distance.

The council is committed to balancing residential potential with employment opportunities to foster a vibrant community. The LAP aims to support existing businesses in the area, offering them the chance to remain, relocate, or cluster within the LAP lands. The development framework aligns with the city’s development plan, ensuring consistency in terms of height, density, and public consultation on detailed proposals.

Recognizing the significance of employment creation, the council stated, “As part of developing a mixed-use development framework, the proposed draft Local Action Plan will seek to provide the opportunity for existing businesses to remain in the area and/or relocate or cluster within Local Action Plan lands where appropriate.”

Well-known property developers, including Wealthyard Barrett’s Bartra and Blacklion Real Estate Fund, have already acquired some sites on the estate. While previous applications for large-scale housing schemes were rejected due to the lack of residential land allocation, pending decisions from An Bord Pleanála may pave the way for future developments. The LAP envisions a balance between preserving industrial uses and fostering a vibrant, integrated community that aligns with the evolving needs of Dublin’s urban landscape.

Source: Irish Times, Picture by Dublin City Council