One of south Dublin's best known pubs, the Goat Inn in Goatstown, is at the centre of a planning application for the development of a new "neighbourhood centre" which is currently being considered by D·n Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council.
The proposed development envisages shops, offices, an "apart-hotel" some light industrial development, a medical centre, creche and two restaurants, on the 15,321 square metres at the junction of Kilmacud and Taney Roads. The scheme has a price tag in the region of £25m (€31.74m) and, depending on planning permission, a timescale of about three years.
The good news, for those who have already started to worry, is that the pub itself which was once described in this newspaper as "that collection of architectural styles" is to remain as an integral part of the new development.
"It is going to be a very tasteful development" said Mr Charlie Chawke, proprietor of the Goat Inn.
"There will be different levels with flowers and gardens at each level. It will be a focus for Goatstown which was never even a village, it was a hamlet. If it wasn't for The Goat there wouldn't really be anything here at all.
In all there are to be nine blocks located to the rear of the current site. Some blocks will front on to Taney Road while others are planned for the south-east corner of the site at the rear of Drummartin Terrace. They will range in height from two to five-storeys.
Provision is made for two electrical substations and a total of 414 car-parking spaces, 233 of which are to be located underground.
The retail element will involve 2,074 sq m in 10 units, and 2,497 sq m for office or light industrial uses in 21 units.
The residential element includes 70 apartments, 44 of which will be apartment suites for short-term letting, in effect an "apart-hotel" according to Mr Chawke.
Other facilities planned in the development include a medical centre, a creche and two restaurants.
Permission is sought to demolish 240 & 242 Lower Kilmacud Road, two buildings adjoining the existing two-storey commercial building at Lower Kilmacud Road.
The proposal aims to take advantage of the new roads which are currently being developed in the area, a factor which Mr Chawke says will end the chronic traffic congestion in the area and make Goatstown ideal for a neighbourhood centre.
Among these roads are the Wyckham by-pass and Wyckham by-pass extension, the Drummartin Link Road and the Dundrum by-pass which will dilute much of the south Dublin suburban traffic away from the Taney Road/Kilmacud Road junction, Mr Chawke maintains.
According to Mr Chawke the development will be characterised by quality, "in design and in keeping with the area.
"This will be a benefit to the area. It will be a focus for Goatstown and will for the first time introduce a village atmosphere through quality shops, and the facilities such as restaurants that people around here want."
The proposal also envisages the creation of a new street towards the rear of the site providing access to the residential element which Mr Chawke says will have gardens at each level.
"It will not demean the area. It is a very exciting project with recreational facilities and will offer good employment," he concluded.He was keen to reassure his customers that the current pub and restaurant would remain in place and be a benefit to the new development.
