Local contest over developer's proposed construction of a nun's residence in Dublin 4

In the heart of Dublin 4, a planning application has been lodged with Dublin City Council by Granville Developments Ltd, proposing a three-storey, 38-bedroom block for elderly members of religious orders. The proposed accommodation is located at Haddington Place, on a site to the rear of Sisters of The Holy Faith in Ballsbridge.

The development, if approved, aims to provide residential accommodation and care to members of religious orders in need of care. However, the Department of Education has raised an objection to the planning application, expressing concerns that the loss of this site could undermine its ability to meet current and future educational needs in Dublin 4.

The Department believes the site represents one of the very few remaining opportunities to provide essential educational and community infrastructure in the locality due to the scarcity of available land. The Department made a bid to purchase the site for future educational use but was ultimately outbid.

Susan McCarrick, on behalf of the Pembroke Road Association, has also raised concerns about the development. She stated that the assumption of an unlimited supply of elderly nuns for the accommodation is fanciful, and questioned which nuns would be accommodated at the scheme, given that religious communities provide a home for their retired members.

Keith Craddock, the developer, counters that the scheme is appropriate and consistent with the policy of enabling people to age in place with dignity and independence. He also emphasised that the development will deliver a high-quality addition to the existing religious, educational, and community uses around the site.

The Department of Education sees the proposed development as potentially conflicting with its educational needs in Dublin 4. It considers the site strategically important for the long-term provision of school facilities in the area.

The council has received 11 submissions about the development, and a decision on the planning application is expected later this month. Ms. McCarrick also mentioned that the proposed development lacks views for residents, only offering the back of other buildings.

The group for which the residential and care facility is planned, if approved, remains unnamed in the search results provided. It remains to be seen whether the planning application will be granted or if the Department of Education's concerns will prevail.