Hines Receives Dublin City Council Approval for Drumcondra Apartment Scheme
Dublin City Council has approved a large-scale residential development by Hines, teh international property firm, on the site of the former Holy Cross College in Drumcondra. The project, undertaken through Hines’ partner fund CWTC Multi-Family ICAV, will deliver 1,131 apartments, including a 13-story building, at the Clonliffe Road location.
This approval follows a complex planning history for the site.Four years ago, Hines initially proposed a 1,614-unit scheme under the Strategic Housing Development (SHD) process too An Bord Pleanála. While that plan, featuring an 18-story tower, received approval, it was later overturned by the High Court following a legal challenge.
The Council’s planning report strongly supports the revised proposal, highlighting the site’s potential for “high quality residential development at a lasting density” within walking distance of Drumcondra village. the report explicitly states the development is “unlikely [to] result in an unacceptable negative impact on the amenities of the surrounding area.”
Reflecting the project’s significant scale, Hines will contribute €8.39 million to the Council to support the provision of public infrastructure. The developer has also indicated a €64.57 million valuation for 113 apartments and studios earmarked for sale to Dublin City Council for social housing. Indicative pricing for these units ranges from €360,266 for studios, €569,892 for one-bedroom apartments, and €717,843 for two-bedroom, four-person units.
Negotiations on a final price for the social housing units will commence between Hines and the Council if no appeal is submitted to An Coimisiún Pleanála (ACP). Public opposition to the current scheme has been minimal, with only three local residents requesting an outright refusal. This contrasts sharply with the 120 submissions received for the original, larger scheme, including an objection from Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald TD, who expressed concerns that the development would worsen the existing housing crisis.
