Author: kieran

The Land Development Agency (LDA) has released concept plans for the proposed Dundrum Central Hospital site. On the 23rd of January a “Virtual Consultation Room” was launched on their website www.dundrumcentral.ie. A PDF is also available on the Dundrum Central website. This document is easier to navigate and can be seen here. LDA Timeline The concept proposal is open to public comment until 28th February 2021. You can register on their website to receive information and provide comment. Feedback received will be considered and the designs further developed into a draft masterplan. Another stage of consultation will be undertaken on the masterplan. Following the masterplan, a planning application will be submitted mid 2021. Subject to the An Bord Pleanála process, planning approval may be before the end of 2021. Construction could begin early in 2022 and the first units available later in 2023. Our communications with the LDA to date The committee had an initial introductory meeting with the LDA and lead architect on December 15th 2020. We subsequently held a second meeting on February 8th to share initial views of potential issues for our community. The document shared can be viewed here. Our concerns have been noted by the project team and will be taken into consideration as the design develops. It was stressed by the project team that there are many stakeholders and a final design will aim for a best overall outcome. Many local residents will have concerns with elements of the concept design proposal. We encourage all residents to view the concept proposal at dundrumcentral.com. In addition to the residents’ association engagement, we actively encourage everyone with an opinion to submit an individual response via the dundrumcentral.com website. If you have additional considerations, please contact a committee member or send us an email to residentsassociation@highfieldwestbrook.ie

DCH Map Members of the committee held a virtual meeting with the LDA in relation to the development of the CMH site. Attending this meeting was the LDA Community Liaison Officer, the Project Lead and the Project Architect. They are currently engaging with local community groups, and are endeavouring to collect as much feedback as possible. The LDA will facilitate broader community engagement on the design concept from early 2021, with virtual consultation rooms to share designs, webinars planned etc. These will be accessible to all. Some of the takeaways from the meeting are below. In addition to below, information is available via https://dundrumcentral.ie/ and the LDA Notes from our meeting December 11 1. Objectives of Land Development Agency Overarching goal is affordable housing In the past Part 5 required 10% social and at least 30% affordable. Current parameters have not yet been set.  Noted this is a flagship project for LDA 2. Design and Development Lead architect Rob Keane noted the strong character of buildings, walled garden, pond, orchard, trees of high quality There is a need to keep 25% open space, as part of institutional zoning (DLR) There is a strong push for a sustainable and environment friendly design Design will take into account local amenities and how the development can be additive Envisage 1200-1300 units, which will likely translate to ~3000 people. No decision yet on the number of car parking spaces, but likely a lot less than 1 per unit mandated by local development plan. Design team are still at the early stages of working through. Housing mix is currently being looked at. Early indications are circa 40% 1 bed, 50% 2 bed and 10% 3 bed Looking for sustainability of unit and mix,, with diversity across groups and ages Options exists for permeability walking, cycle and access to amenities for the local community (Rosemount, Annaville) Only one vehicular access currently - the main Dundrum entrance. There may be other options considered but unclear at this stage It is likely the site will be developed on a phased basis over a long period of time.. may be up to 10 years to fully complete Planning will go in as one application, with phased development. May be subsequent changes through lifetime There will be some non-residential for amenities, cafes, shop for residents etc. DLR have indicated that amenities should not be in competition with retail in Dundrum The development is likely a combination of LDA, and public/private/partnership. This has to be decided. Long term LDA will manage estate. 3. Engagement Process The LDA will facilitate broader community engagement on the design concept from early 2021, with virtual consultation rooms to share designs, webinars planned etc. These will be accessible to all. The will look to take on board as many ideas as possible and focus first on common asks from different groups represented Engagement with schools and activity retirement groups on concepts is also planned Looking to submit for planning sometime mid next year.