Dundrum Housing: Legal Challenge Delays 934-Home Development

Fresh Legal Challenge Further Delays Dublin Housing Project

A developer’s renewed legal challenge is casting a shadow over a large-scale housing project in Dundrum, south Dublin, threatening further delays to the delivery of nearly 1,000 homes. Mark Leonard has initiated judicial review proceedings against An Coimisiún Pleanála and Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council concerning the December approval of plans for 934 affordable purchase, cost rental, and social homes on the site of the former Central Mental Hospital.

This marks the second time Leonard has legally contested the Land Development Agency’s (LDA) plans for the prominent site, which is a key part of the agency’s portfolio. In May 2023, the LDA initially secured permission to build 852 homes utilizing the Strategic Housing Development (SHD) system, designed to expedite housing construction. Leonard previously challenged that decision, arguing it conflicted with the Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Development Plan. While the board conceded that initial challenge in April 2024, the LDA continued to defend the case even after the SHD system was scrapped.

Following the initial setback, the LDA submitted a revised application for 934 apartments in September 2024, which received approval last December. Despite this recent approval, Leonard has now launched a new judicial review, prompting the LDA to reaffirm its commitment to proceed with construction regardless.

John Coleman, CEO of the LDA, stated last month that construction was slated to begin this month, emphasizing the urgent need for housing. “People can’t wait any longer,” Coleman said, according to reports. He added that the agency intends to press forward with the project even if the legal challenge persists. “We’re hoping not to get a judicial review challenge but if we do, we have this job tendered already … We’re ready to go, we’ve selected the contractor. We can start on this next month and even if we do get a judicial review, we’re going to start next month,” Coleman told The Irish Times.

The LDA is moving forward with the project despite the possibility of a lengthy legal battle. If Leonard is successful in his challenge, the LDA may be forced to reverse any work already undertaken on the site. Coleman revealed to an Oireachtas committee last year that the first legal challenge delayed the plans by two years and added “at least €30 million” to the €400 million project cost, equating to at least €30,000 per home.

The initial master plan for the site, published by the LDA in April 2021, had envisioned the first homes being available in 2024, with the entire scheme completed by 2028. The current legal challenge introduces further uncertainty to that timeline. The development represents a significant attempt to address the housing shortage in Dublin, and the ongoing legal disputes highlight the complexities involved in bringing large-scale housing projects to fruition.