Sinn Féin Councillor for Lucan-Palmerstown-Balgaddy & North Clondalkin, Derren Ó Bradaigh, has welcomed the progress underway that will now see the delivery of some long-awaited social housing and a new community centre to be located in the heart of Balgaddy.
Cllr Ó Brádaigh said “Whilst early ground works commenced in January of this year, on site work is now steadily progressing with actual construction soon to begin and ahead of next week’s sod turning ceremony. The project will deliver 69 units, comprising of a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom properties. The housing crisis is particularly acute in Dublin Mid-West and these council-built properties will provide desperately needed homes for some families. With the contractor already on site and the construction period approximately 20 months in total, the completion date is expected for August 2024.
“The development will include a badly needed community centre, long sought after by local people and resident groups working and advocating on the needs for greater amenities in the area. Down the years Sinn Féin have worked in support of the residents of Balgaddy and indeed the wider community, to help bring about an improvement in existing living conditions and a better living environment. This has involved working directly with the council’s housing and community department to help better inform and deliver upon this overdue project.
“As with the development of any new community facility, it is essential that the council community team engage with residents and community groups to undertake local consultation and to provide a full analysis of community needs in advance of facility usage planning. It is expected that consultation will take place in advance of, and during the early construction of the community centre.
“The existing estate of Balgaddy was built 16 years ago and quickly became a forgotten community, following the emergence of a litany of structural defects that have continued to blight homes to this day. Progress to address long awaited remedial works, some of the more challenging roof repairs, insulation, electrical and plumbing repairs has been painstakingly slow, but with some results finally beginning to unveil. Initiatives such as the ‘Better Blocks’ project last year, seeking to empower communities was hugely welcome and need to be broadened out.
“With this new development and extension of Balgaddy finally off the ground, hopefully this will help focus minds further in addressing all the existing challenges and issues faced by residents daily, and equipping the needs of the community both now and into the future through the provision of adequate services, amenities and investment.”
