Mayor Ward said: “This is a good news story for the people of Balgaddy and surrounding areas. This site on Griffeen Avenue was ear marked for development for a number of years now. The original part 8 development consisted of 120 units. After consultation with the community we (Sinn Fein) fought that the densities were too high” “Submissions we made seen that density greatly reduced to 69 units. There will be ample green space in the development that will allow the new community grow.” “During the sub mission stages we knocked on 405 doors in surrounding estates and asked the residents what they wanted to see in the new development. The engagement was the basis of our submission” “There was originally a proposed “neighbourhood centre” in the plans. Residents felt it was too small and it was a token gesture. We put in our submission and lobbied hard. The plan that will be delivered yesterday will see a large community centre on par with Knockmitten Community Centre, with reception space, office spaces, large meeting room, activity hall, Café, youth area, kitchen, courtyard, and management suite and storage areas” “Also agreed was over 600 sq meters space around the Community Centre for future community infrastructure such as a playground, allotments etc” “This is a massive achievement for the people of Balgaddy. One red line issue for us was the management of the centre. South Dublin yesterday agreed to resource this centre from its commencement to ensure it develops”
“The last estates built in Balgaddy were of very poor quality. This has seen issues of damp, mould, leaks throughout the area. We secured additional funding in the budget to help deal with these protracted issues. It was important that during this part 8 process that the rest of Balgaddy would have these issues addressed. An additional €500k was secured yesterday. This will go a long way in addressing the mistakes of the past. Bad builds, bad estate management does not mean bad tenants” “In addition to the Council’s accelerated maintenance programme that will address Window and Door replacement, painting of exterior windows and doors, installation/replacement of smoke, carbon monoxide monitors and window restrictors, the council have committed to replacing Utility and Post boxes, roofs/guttering works, communal Locks/Alarms, heating, ventilation and insulation issues” “This is nothing less than the people of Balgaddy deserve after years of neglect” “Also secured was additional road works at the entrance to the new development with road and footpath widening agreed along with traffic calming measures” “We are in the midst of the biggest housing crisis in the history of the state and these homes are welcome but it was important to meet the needs of the existing communities with the new community. I think this plan has managed that balance”
Cllr O’Brien said: “I welcome the passing of the Balgaddy part 8. I would like to thank the director of housing for including extra changes I proposed at the full council meeting” “Sinn Fein talked to residents in surrounding housing estates, and submitted several changes to the proposed plan. I welcome the reduction in height of the three story block to two story beside Foxborough Estate. I also welcome the increase size of the community centre that many resident and Sinn Fein asked for. This community centre will be a welcome addition to community services in the south Lucan area.”
