Local Councillor Shirley O’Hara has made a submission to the County Council’s Housing Department regarding the proposed change to the approved use of the former Saggart Arms Pub.
Cllr O’Hara said in her submission to South Dublin County Council “I am not in favour of removing the retail and business element of this development. I believe the plan to convert the planned ground-floor retail /business spaces into additional apartments would contradict the County Development Plan 2022-2028. The Development plan seeks to promote well designed streets and public spaces which is generally characterised by the presence of active frontages. The Main Street and the Slade Castle Development have been planned with business and retails space on the ground floor, the same should apply to this development as was originally granted.
While I welcome the 29 new homes that this development will add to the village, the addition of these extra four apartments will not outweigh the loss of potential retail and business space. I don’t believe this change of use would be in the best interest of a growing village like Saggart, the population of which has grown exponentially in the last 10 years and needs a thriving commercial element to support the growth. It is important to encourage new businesses which will in turn support existing businesses and bring vitality and employment to Saggart.”
The approved plans for the former pub included, “refurbishment, alteration and extension of a 2 storey existing Public House building to accommodate 1 no. commercial office unit on ground floor and 1 no. 2 bed apartment on the first floor along”.
Cllr O’Hara concluded “The Saggart Arms is an important part of the village streetscape and the redevelopment of and refurbishment of this building should proceed as originally approved”
