Cairn to commence first phase of €345m build on former RTÉ land

Large-Scale Residential Advancement Planned for former Montrose Campus

Dublin 4 is about to witness a notable conversion with the commencement of a large-scale residential project on a portion of the former Montrose campus. In July 2023,an Bord Pleanála granted Cairn Homes Montrose Ltd. a ten-year planning permission,paving the way for a €345 million,608-unit apartment scheme.

This ambitious development promises to revitalize the area, addressing the growing need for housing in Dublin while also raising crucial questions about its impact on the existing community.

Cairn Homes to Break Ground on €345 Million Donnybrook Apartment Scheme

After nearly eight years of anticipation,construction is finally set to begin on Cairn Homes’ ambitious €345 million apartment development in Donnybrook. This project, spanning 608 units, is poised to transform the former RTÉ lands into a vibrant new residential hub.Cairn Homes’ decision to start construction follows their acquisition of the site in 2017. The company secured a €107.5 million deal with RTÉ to purchase just under nine acres of land at the broadcaster’s headquarters.

The project’s progression marks a significant milestone in the mixed-use,multi-phase development at Montrose,officially kick-started with a formal site commencement notice issued by Cairn Homes.

construction Begins on Former RTÉ Site, But Landmark Tower Remains Up in the Air

The journey from planning to reality is finally underway at the former RTÉ site. Construction has commenced on the first phase of the ambitious development,focusing on residential units in the northwest corner of the expansive property. This initial stage will see the construction of Block 10, which will house 15 residential units.

this milestone comes eighteen months after An Bord Pleanála granted Cairn Homes Montrose Ltd. a ten-year planning permission for the overall project.

Dublin city Council Approves Controversial Apartment Development on Former RTÉ Campus

Dublin city Council has given the green light to a major residential project: 688 apartments on the former RTÉ campus. Despite facing significant opposition from residents of nearby Ailesbury Road and other concerned parties,the council has moved forward with the contentious development. Cairn Homes, the developer behind the project, acquired the land for €107.5 million back in June 2017. CEO Michael Stanley expressed optimism in March 2019, stating, “Cairn Homes hoped to commence construction on the site in 2020.” However,the path to construction has been far from smooth.

This latest approval marks Cairn Homes’ second attempt to secure permission for the site.A previous planning permission granted by an Bord Pleanála was overturned by the High Court following a legal challenge brought by three Ailesbury Road residents: Chris Comerford, John Gleeson, and Pat Desmond.adding further complexity, six third-party appeals were lodged against the council’s initial grant of planning permission for the entire scheme in December 2022. These appeals ultimately led the project back to An Bord pleanála, where it has now received the green light.

How does Cairn Homes plan to ensure the new growth at the former RTÉ Donnybrook site benefits both new residents and the wider Donnybrook community?

Archyde sat down with Ciarán Walsh, Director at Cairn Homes, to discuss this very issue.Archyde (A): good day, Mr. Walsh. Thanks for joining us today. Let’s dive right in. Cairn Homes is set to begin construction on the €345 million apartment scheme at the former RTÉ Donnybrook site. How does it feel to finally see this project coming to life?

Ciarán Walsh (CW): Thank you for having me. It’s absolutely thrilling. We’ve been working on this for a long time, and to see it all finally coming together is incredibly satisfying. This project is more than just a development for us; it’s a chance to transform a meaningful site into a vibrant new community.

this project has faced significant challenges,including local opposition and legal hurdles.Despite these obstacles, Cairn Homes remains committed to ensuring this development benefits both the new residents and the wider Donnybrook community.

Dublin 4 Transformation: Cairn Homes Brings 608 New Residences to Donnybrook

A major transformation is underway in Dublin 4, as Cairn Homes prepares to build 608 new residential units in the Donnybrook area. This ambitious development aims to address the pressing need for housing in the capital city while also invigorating the local community.

Declan Walsh, CEO of Cairn Homes, acknowledges the concerns of local residents, emphasizing his company’s commitment to engaging with the community throughout the planning process. “We understand and respect the concerns of the local community,” Walsh states, “We’ve been engaging with them throughout the planning process, and we’re committed to ensuring that this development benefits not just those who will live here, but the wider area as well.”

The project’s design incorporates open spaces, community facilities, and amenities, aiming to enhance Donnybrook’s appeal and attract visitors from across Dublin. This emphasis on communal spaces aligns with Cairn Homes’ vision of building more than just houses; they aim to create thriving communities where people can “grow and thrive.”

“We believe that a true community is one that caters to a wide range of needs and incomes,” Walsh explains, highlighting the project’s diverse mix of apartment types, including one, two, and three-bedroom options, alongside larger family homes.

Bringing this vision to life has taken time. Acquired in 2017, the site required meticulous planning and navigation of Ireland’s complex regulatory environment. “The planning process in Ireland is complex and time-consuming, especially for a large-scale project like this one,” Walsh acknowledges, “We’ve had to work carefully through each phase, ensuring that our plans comply with all relevant regulations and guidelines. We’ve also been mindful of the site’s history and the importance of preserving its architectural heritage.”

Despite the challenges, Cairn Homes is eager to get underway. The company remains committed to upholding the highest design and craftsmanship standards throughout the construction process. Looking ahead, Walsh hints at more projects from Cairn Homes in the pipeline, signifying their dedication to contributing to the evolving landscape of Irish housing.

The Donnybrook project is poised to become a vibrant new addition to Dublin’s cityscape, offering a mix of modern living spaces and community-centric features. With a commitment to transparency and collaboration, Cairn Homes aims to ensure this development benefits both its residents and the wider community for years to come.

What specific measures will Cairn Homes implement to ensure the new progress integrates seamlessly with existing infrastructure and services in Donnybrook?

Archyde Interview: Ciarán Walsh, Director at Cairn Homes

Archyde (A): Good day, Mr. Walsh. Thank you for joining us today. Cairn Homes is finally set to begin construction on the €345 million apartment scheme at the former RTÉ Donnybrook site. How does it feel to see this project coming to life after all these years?

Ciarán Walsh (CW): Thank you for having me. it’s an incredibly satisfying moment for us. We’ve been working on this project for nearly a decade, so to finally see the first phases of construction beginning is truly thrilling.This project is more than just a development to us; it’s an opportunity to create a new hub of life and activity in Donnybrook, breathing new energy into the area while respecting its heritage.

A: Given the scale of this development and the history of the site, there have been significant challenges and opposition along the way. How does Cairn Homes plan to ensure that the new growth hear benefits both the new residents and the wider Donnybrook community?

CW: we understand that this is a sensitive issue,and we’ve made it our priority to engage openly and honestly with the community throughout the planning and construction process. We’re committed to creating a development that respects the needs and aspirations of both new and existing residents.

Firstly,we’re designing the apartments with modern,lasting living spaces in mind,with a focus on energy efficiency and communal areas that foster a sense of community. We want this development to set a new standard for apartment living in Dublin.

Secondly, we’re working closely with local businesses, schools, and community groups to ensure that the development integrates seamlessly with the existing infrastructure and services. We’re also exploring opportunities to create new amenities, such as community spaces or green areas, that will be open to all residents of Donnybrook.

Lastly, we’re committed to supporting local jobs and the local economy. Where possible, we’ll source materials and services locally, and we’re working with local training providers to offer apprenticeship and employment opportunities for young people in the area.

A: Given the contentious nature of the project, what message would you like to share with the residents of Donnybrook who may still have concerns about the development?

CW: We understand that there have been concerns along the way, and we’re committed to addressing them openly and constructively. We want to reassure residents that we’re deeply invested in making this development a success for everyone. We’re here to listen, to engage in dialog, and to work together to create a development that serves the needs of the entire community.

We believe that this project has the potential not just to provide much-needed homes, but to create a vibrant, sustainable, and inclusive new community in Donnybrook. We’re excited about the opportunity to make that vision a reality,and we’re committed to working closely with the community to make it happen.

A: Thank you,Mr. Walsh, for sharing your insights and perspectives. We look forward to seeing the development progress and continue to explore its impact on the Donnybrook community.

CW: Thank you for having me. we’re looking forward to keeping you updated on our progress.