320 apartments for site by Drimnagh Castle

Planning: Cosgrave Developments has been given the go-ahead by An Bord Pleanála to build 320 apartments on a former industrial estate overlooking Drimnagh Castle in Dublin 12, writes Orna Mulcahy, Property Editor

The 5.5-acre site, which Cosgraves bought three years ago for over €15 million is located between the moated castle and and Lansdowne Valley Pitch and Putt course, with the Camac river running through it. Close to both Walkinstown and Terenure, the development will be a short walk from the Bluebell Luas station.

Local residents had opposed the scheme which was to have included both office space and live/work units. However, the mix has been altered and the final development will have a medical centre, shop units and a 929sq m (10,000sq ft) creche,

Conservation architect David Slattery advised the developers while the overall scheme, which will range from four to seven storeys, has been designed by O'Mahony Pike. Work is likely to begin early in the new year but as Cosgraves like to build before they sell, the apartments are unlikely to come on the market until 2007. The Cosgraves have an exceptionally loyal following and it will be no surprise if a list of potential purchasers is already being put together by selling agent Hooke & MacDonald.

The Cosgraves are currently completing a large scheme of apartments and houses at Eden Gate in Delgany. They are also building a new golf course for Dún Laoghaire Golf Club in north Co Wicklow.