Controversial apartment project in Rivervalley gets planning permission

A setting up software has been granted for a growth at St Finian’s Church, Rivervalley parish, Swords, Co Dublin, which is to consist of the building of a 58 unit sheltered housing apartment constructing.

he advancement, by Dunne Better Make Confined, will consist of the development of a single storey parish centre extension (167 sqm) to the west of the church building.

It will also see development of a two-bedroom solitary-storey detached parish priest accommodation (120 sqm) to the south of the current church constructing with a few vehicle parking areas and vehicular entry off Pairc Na Foraise Street.

The progress will also see building of a 3-storey, 58 device sheltered housing condominium making (4,641 sqm) and connected takes advantage of to the west of the existing church developing, comprising 15 one bed room and 43 two bed room units.

Also provided will be a reception and assembly area, employees WC, storage rooms, refuse storage and support rooms, landscaped courtyard and inner walkways, 38 bicycle areas, 30 auto parking areas and with vehicular access off River Valley Road.

The improvement was utilized for on December 1 2021, with the last day for 3rd party submissions/observations remaining January 13 2022.

In accordance to community Swords councillor, Ann Graves (SF), the strategies for St Finian’s Church lands have been mired in controversy: “There’s a ton of controversy about it to be straightforward, I consider if it was crystal clear what is going to be for, initially the planning application was likely to be for neighborhood living for women, so gals more than 55 as well as, and there’s surely a need for that. And there’s unquestionably a require for housing, there is no question about it.

“I put in observations on it and my concerns were being that the site would ignore the faculty, and I never imagine that is a excellent matter in any problem. So that would be 1 of my worries…”

According to Cllr Graves, there was also a “lack of engagement” on the programs with local residents, whom she says believed the site belonged to the local community.

Swords councillor Joe Newman (NP) has taken issue with a e-newsletter which was circulated to parishioners, informing them that although one area councillor entirely supported options, two Independent councillors had raised objections.

Cllr Newman claimed: “I was upset, to inform you the truth to assume that the church would get associated in setting up difficulties.

“Specifically promoting one councillor and mentioning a person councillor, who they stated is fully supportive of it, and it kind of demeans the other two Independent councillors who are just executing their occupation symbolizing associates of the local community.

“First and foremost there was a good deal of individuals that weren’t happy that the church lands up there have been sold on to a developer, albeit it’s intended to be for sheltered housing, but there is very little legally binding there.

“I’m worried that considering that there is no legal binding, that it could finish up just as an condominium block and what you’ve acquired then is a three-storey condominium block in the middle of a household estate.”