A developer has launched a second legal challenge against plans for a large-scale housing project on the site of the former Central Mental Hospital in Dundrum, south Dublin. Mark Leonard initiated judicial review proceedings against An Coimisiún Pleanála and Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council following the December approval of a 934-unit development comprised of affordable purchase, cost rental, and social homes.
This latest action follows a previous judicial review brought by Leonard in May 2023, contesting the Land Development Agency’s (LDA) initial plans for 852 homes on the same site, utilizing the now-defunct Strategic Housing Development (SHD) system. That challenge centered on alleged conflicts with the Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Development Plan. While the board conceded that initial legal challenge in April 2024, the LDA continued to defend the case, and proceedings remain ongoing.
The LDA subsequently submitted a revised application for 934 apartments, which received planning permission last December. Despite this, Leonard has again sought a judicial review, prompting the LDA to reaffirm its commitment to begin construction regardless. LDA chief executive John Coleman stated last month the agency intends to commence work this month, stating, “We can’t wait any longer.” He added, “We’re hoping not to receive a judicial review challenge but if we do, we have this job tendered already … We’re ready to go, we’ve selected the contractor. We can start on this next month and even if we do get a judicial review, we’re going to start next month.”
According to Coleman, a previous legal challenge initiated by Leonard delayed the project by two years and added “at least €30 million” to the overall €400 million cost, equating to at least €30,000 per home. The LDA had originally anticipated the first homes would be available in 2024, with the entire scheme completed by 2028, as outlined in its master plan published in April 2021.
Should Leonard succeed in his current legal challenge, the LDA may be required to halt and potentially reverse any construction work already undertaken on the site. The agency has indicated it will press ahead with the project despite the ongoing legal proceedings.
