HRI and LDA to develop Leopardstown campus, 800 new homes

RTÉ News​

2 days ago

The Land Development Agency (LDA) and Horse Racing Ireland (HRI) have reached an agreement on the transfer of land with the potential to deliver 800 homes at Leopardstown Racecourse in south Dublin
Both parties have reached an agreement that will see HRI transfer ownership of c.17 acres of land to the LDA. The new development will be served by the activation of a new Luas station located on the site.
The two state bodies will work collaboratively and in consultation with Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council on a new masterplan for Leopardstown, which will deliver much-needed affordable housing and protect and further develop the leading racecourse and its extensive racing and non-racing facilities.
The land transfer follows positive engagement between the LDA and HRI to ensure the best outcome for both parties.
Design and planning work on the site-wide masterplan and proposed housing development will commence immediately. Subject to planning, the LDA land will be used to deliver new, A-rated homes, which will be located next to the existing, but currently unused Leopardstown Luas stop.
The area surrounding Leopardstown Racecourse is well located next to the M50 and the Green Luas line. It also benefits from a range of services and amenities.
Land at HRI's campus in Leopardstown was first identified as having the potential for housing in the Government's Housing for All plan.
Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne TD commended the LDA and HRI for reaching the agreement.
"The LDA has the resources it needs to deliver housing at scale and has proven that it can do so quickly to a very high standard. The LDA already has a strong pipeline of development land, but it's crucial that it is able to access more, especially State-owned land like this with the potential to deliver a high number of homes in a well located and well-serviced area," said Minister Brown.
"This decision by HRI will have a lasting impact and it can be proud of the significant contribution it has made to help address the country's urgent housing need."
The site that can accomodate 800 new homes pending planning approve is described by LDI CEO John Coleman as a development in an area of great housing need in Dublin.
"This transfer of State-owned land to the LDA is a leading example of what can be achieved when state bodies are open to making the best use of land they own and work with the LDA to facilitate the delivery of much-need affordable homes while safeguarding their own existing and future needs," said Mr Coleman
"The LDA is now under construction on 16 sites for over 5,000 homes across the country and we will be adding further new construction starts in the coming months," he said.
Suzanne Eade, CEO of Horse Racing Ireland said: "For an industry that contributes in excess of €2.46bn to the Irish economy annually, the agreement safeguards our plans to further develop the Leopardstown Racecourse campus and to improve what is already a proven world-class horse racing facility, while fostering a sustainable mixed-use neighbourhood benefiting the greater Dublin area.