Publicans’ group applies for some of its Dublin 4 land to be used for housing

The trade group for Dublin publicans has urged city planners to allow some of the group's valuable land at Ballsbridge to be for used for housing.

A new planning submission from the Licensed Vintners Association (LVA) to Dublin City Council marks its fourth attempt to rezone some of its site at Anglesea Road in Dublin 4 for development after planners rejected similar approaches in 2004, 2010 and 2016.

“It’s a fine site and we’re looking to rezone it,” said LVA chief executive Donall O’Keeffe, who estimated that between 65 per cent and 75 per cent of the 1.2-hectare site could be used for housing. “We’ve been unsuccessful three times. We’ll have to wait and see.”

The site is near Herbert Park, the Herbert Park Hotel, the Old Wesley rugby club, the RDS and the Merrion Cricket Club and within walking distance of Donnybrook.

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Surging property prices in prosperous areas of the city such as Ballsbridge mean that if the latest application is successful, it could yield a windfall for the 600-member association, which acquired the leasehold on the site in the 1960s and the freehold in the 1980s.

The LVA has a two-storey redbrick office on the site, as well as a car park and lands by the river Dodder. “Part of the site bounding the Dodder is zoned conservation and we’re looking to rezone the balance,” Mr O’Keeffe said.

Development plan

In papers sent to the council this week on the city council’s draft development plan for 2022 to 2028, the LVA said the “only reason” the subject lands were not zoned for development previously was flood risk.

Citing Dodder flood protection works, the submission said that risk has now been addressed.

“[The] Dublin City Council drainage department have now confirmed to us that subject lands can be developed,” said the LVA paper by planning consultants John Spain.

“The proposal will open up a new amenity with access for local residents, providing a significant amenity benefit while also helping to meet the housing needs of the city and making more appropriate use of underutilised urban lands.

“There is potential for significant planning benefits to be delivered in association with residential development on the site in the form of a pedestrian walkway/cycleway along the river Dodder, including access to a potential bridge link with the east side of the river Dodder subject to further detailed investigation.”