The Land Development Agency (LDA) and Dublin City Council (DCC) have published draft plans for a new social and affordable housing development in Dublin 12 which will include almost 400 homes.

Situated next to the 5th Lock on the Grand Canal at the former filter bed complex, Bluebell Waterways will also provide community spaces and active travel links.

There are proposals for 389 high quality, sustainable homes involving a mix of studio, one, two and three bed apartments. The homes will be delivered on a 2.8-hectare site, owned by Dublin City Council, in addition to community spaces, a creche and landscaped open spaces. Community allotments will support long established community services and there will be opportunities for new services to emerge.

Around 35 per cent of the homes will be social and the remaining 65 per cent will be cost rental apartments. The rest will provide secure long-term rental accommodation at discounted market rates and will be managed by the LDA. Meanwhile, DCC will offer existing residents of the Bluebell maisonettes the first of the social homes.

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The region currently benefits from efficient road and public transport networks. The proposed project aims to improve these connections by focusing on constructing new footpaths and cycle lanes. Additionally, it plans to establish a green corridor that will integrate with the upcoming canal greenway.

The publication of the draft plans comes after an initial round of discussions with local residents, businesses, and community organisations. Additional meetings and workshops are scheduled for the next two months, during which interested parties and the public can offer input on the development's design via an online platform.

Phelim O'Neill, Head of Property at the Land Development Agency, stated: "We are delighted to be moving to the next phase of this exciting project, which will see much needed social and affordable homes delivered in Dublin 12. This consultation provides residents, businesses and community groups with the opportunity to see the details of the proposed development – everything from a typical floorplan for the homes to a characteristic streetscape – capturing what the final neighbourhood could look like.

"Engagement is at the heart of all LDA-DCC partnerships and we want local people to feed in to these plans and help shape the area for this and future generations."

Dave Dinningan, Director of Housing Delivery at Dublin City Council said: "We have reached a vital stage in the process of delivering Bluebell Waterways. This project will revitalise the Dublin 12 area by supporting existing services while creating a safe and social environment with new community amenities for existing and future residents.

"Alongside our project partners, we look forward to meeting with and hearing from the local community so that we can refine our design to create the best possible development for the Bluebell community."