LDA acquires land in Baldoyle, North Dublin with existing planning permission for over 1,900 homes

The Land Development Agency (LDA) has announced the acquisition of a new site in Baldoyle in north Dublin, with existing planning permission for 1,931 homes. This site has been earmarked for housing since 2016.

The land is next to the LDA’s Clongriffin/ Cluain Ghrífín land, which means the Agency now has the potential to deliver over 4,000 new affordable homes in the area surrounding Clongriffin Station.

The Baldoyle development comprises 18-hectares of land with permission granted for delivery of permanent access to the train station, creche facilities, commercial units, new parks, transport facilities and other public infrastructure works to enhance community amenities. It was part of the former “The Coast” housing development.

The site is located east of Clongriffin Station and near to existing housing in Stapolin and Baldoyle. It is bounded by the Dublin to Belfast railway line to the west, Fingal County Council (FCC) parklands to the north and the planned Racecourse Park to the northeast, and has views of Ireland’s Eye, Howth and the Irish Sea.

The neighbouring Clongriffin/ Cluain Ghrífín land has the potential to deliver over 2,000 homes. Work has already commenced on a first phase involving 408 homes, which will be delivered in two apartment blocks.

The acquisition of both sites means the LDA is well-positioned to oversee the delivery of over 4,000 new homes in the area in addition to services, amenities and new infrastructure. The LDA is working closely with both Fingal County Council (FCC), community representatives , Dublin City Council (DCC), and other local stakeholders to coordinate an integrated approach for the area, which includes land owned by both Local Authorities.

John Coleman, Chief Executive of the Land Development Agency said:

“The purchase of this land is a major strategic accomplishment for the LDA. We now own two neighbouring sites in the area surrounding Clongriffin railway station and we are positioned to deliver over 4,000 affordable homes in addition to new facilities, services, amenities and commercial outlets. We intend to work closely with the existing communities in this area and with stakeholders to ensure that in addition to delivering housing, we also build on the existing plans for Clongriffin and Baldoyle to create vibrant and sustainable new neighbourhoods.

“The sites we have purchased have been earmarked for development for some time, but projects either stalled or did not get underway. The LDA is well-funded and in a position to maximise the potential of these sites and, crucially, to deliver affordable housing. The LDA is already delivering homes on state-owned land and through homebuilder partnerships. To speed up housing delivery and to strengthen our development pipeline, we announced our intention to also purchase privately-owned sites with planning permission in 2023.

“We have now purchased three major sites, and we expect to announce more acquisitions soon, providing we can complete them at the right price. We are focussing on sites with the potential for a significant number of homes and the opportunity to develop new and vibrant communities. The LDA is now a key player in the development of both the Clongriffin and Baldoyle areas and I look forward to construction getting underway.”

In developing the LDA-owned land in Clongfriffin and Baldoyle, the Agency will examine and work to support existing plans for the area and ensure they are incorporated into its designs. This includes the Dart+ scheme and FCC’s plans for Racecourse Park.

The LDA has been working work closely with the National Transport Authority (NTA) and FCC to address the issues relating to the lack of development on the sites now owned by the LDA. This collaboration will continue for the duration of the project. Engagement with local residents, community groups and other stakeholders is a priority and will be a fundamental element of the project as it progresses.

The NTA, in partnership with the LDA, will upgrade and improve the security of the existing access route to Clongriffin station as an interim solution, until permanent access is delivered.

Eoin Gillard, Assistant Director - Transport Investment at NTA added:

“NTA welcomes the significant progress of the acquisition of these lands by the LDA. The development of these lands around a key transport node with high quality bus and rail connections is very positive and will make it easier for people living there to get about, using sustainable modes, truly delivering transit-oriented development.

“NTA remains committed to addressing the issues with the temporary access arrangements in the area and looks forward to working in close collaboration with the LDA and Fingal County Council in delivering permanent safe and accessible access across the railway line and to public transport services in the area.”

The Baldoyle site will also provide crucial connectivity to the FFC’s planned Racecourse Park development to the northeast which will link the area to the coast.

AnnMarie Farrelly, Chief Executive of Fingal County Council said:

“The Baldoyle-Stapolin Local Area Plan had an ambitious vision for this area which can now be realised with the purchase of these lands. It means that the issues at Clongriffin Railway Station, which have exercised our local councillors and the local community for several years, can be resolved through the involvement of the NTA.

“The Council is also finally in a position to develop a new regional amenity at Racecourse Park which will complement the soon to be completed Baldoyle Community Centre. Finally, the activation of the planning permission to build over 1,900 new affordable homes in this area alongside a creche and commercial units is also welcome.”

For further information see www.lda.ie