The former John Player Wills site in Dublin has been declared vacant, opening the door for potential housing developments in the area.

An Bord Pleanála upheld Dublin City Council's decision on the South Circular Road site.

The site, recently valued around €100 million, is under the control of NAMA.

Speaking in the Seanad this afternoon Fianna Fáil Seanad Group Leader and Crumlin based Senator, Catherine Ardagh said: "The South Inner City is in the grip of an ongoing housing crisis. DCC have sought to take Weaver Square and its allotments to use for development but as I have previously pointed out, the needs of residents locally shouldn't necessarily be sacrificed.

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"The vacant lands around the former John Player factory could be a better alternative to seizing much used and much loved green space when it's already in short supply. Focus should instead be on maximising the value of the vacant site to alleviate the crisis in housing by developing sustainable, affordable housing on it."

She continued: "The economic and social needs of the communities throughout the South Inner City need to be respected and the proper use of this site is the perfect opportunity to see that happen."

(CM)