Councillors from Dublin City Council are expected to consider an offer of €1.8 million for a site on Ballymun Main Street.

A new retail complex is to be developed on the site, however Fianna Fáil has called for the plans to be amended to include residential units.

The site is part of a brownfield site that was once occupied by three blocks of high rise flats, which were demolished as part of the Ballymun Regeneration Project.

Fianna Fáil Leader Paul McAuliffe said: "This investment will bring much needed shopping facilities to Ballymun following the Council's decision to purchase and close the old shopping centre built in the 1960's. The area is already serviced by a good quality supermarket run by SuperValu but at the moment there is little choice for locals.

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"The plans presented to Councillors include three large sized units which are being developed with particular retailers in mind. This is not the old style speculative development that's likely to lie empty for many months. I will be seeking assurances that tenants are in place before this deal goes ahead.

"Ballymun needs more shops in the area not more empty buildings. The development will be subject to planning permission and there may be some revision needed, including the need for the development to be higher to match the existing streetscape and for some element of housing to be included."

(CD/JP)