Plans for over 400 student bed spaces 1km from UCD opposed by residents and River Dodder anglers
The large-scale residential development (LRD), located 1km north-west of UCD's main campus at Belfield, also includes the extension and renovation of 14 existing residential dwellings at Clonskeagh Road.
Proposed development at the old Paper Mills site in Clonskeagh, Dublin
Today's News in 90 seconds - 18th June 2025
In an accompanying planning report by consultants John Spain, it states that 'the scale of the proposed development is considered to integrate appropriately with its surroundings, whilst introducing increased height'.
However, in an objection, the Dodder Anglers Association, which represents over 1,300 members, states that it is very concerned the proposals 'could damage the biodiversity of River Dodder green/blue corridor and are in breach with Dublin city council's biodiversity action plan as well as the EU habitats Directive and water Framework Directive'.
On behalf of the Eglinton Residents Association, Robin Mandal has hit out at what he believes to be 'a proposed gross over-development of this sensitive site'.
'We believe that the proposed development would constitute over-development of the site by virtue of its height, scale, bulk and massing at this sensitive and highly visible site on the banks of the River Dodder,' he said.
Mr Mandal contends that the scheme's 'impact on the biodiversity and flora and fauna of the riparian setting will be profound, obliterating much of value'.
He said the site 'has remained vacant and unused for more than 20 years'.
Chair of the Richview Residents Association, Marion Cashman, said: 'There have been seven planning applications on this site over 20 years.
'The number of units proposed ranged from 130 units in 2005 to the now proposed 440 student bed spaces and 30 residences.
'The current proposal is an overdevelopment of the site and would set an undesirable and unacceptable precedent for this sensitive location on the River Dodder and other such sites.'
The market for student accommodation provision in south Dublin is a lucrative one with UCD generating €42.8m in rental income from student residences on campus in 2024.
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