Ambitious plans for a new social and affordable housing development in Dublin 12 containing 383 high-quality, sustainable homes have been jointly submitted by the Land Development Agency (LDA) and Dublin City Council (DCC).

The Part 8 application outlines Bluebell Waterways, located beside the 5th Lock on the Grand Canal at the former filter bed complex, as the 2.8-hectare site for the mix of studio, one-, two- and three-bed apartments, with community spaces, a creche, landscaped open spaces and active travel links also included in the development.

Discussing the plans, Phelim O'Neill, Director of Development at the Land Development Agency, said: "Following an extensive consultation with local residents and community groups, we are delighted to now lodge a planning application for much needed social and affordable homes in the Dublin 12 area."

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Mick Mulhern, Assistant Chief Executive and Director of Housing at Dublin City Council, added: "This is an important milestone in the regeneration of one of Dublin's oldest communities. We have worked hard to ensure that community engagement was at the heart of this project, and we are confident that this development will create a safe and social environment for existing and future residents."

A total of 150 of the homes will be social (39%) and the remaining 233 will be cost rental apartments (61%). The latter will provide secure long-term rental accommodation at discounted market rates and will be managed by the LDA.

Meanwhile, DCC, who own the site, will offer existing residents of the Bluebell Maisonettes and La Touche Court the first of the social homes within Phase 1.

The area is already well served by road and public transport services. The proposed development will build on the existing connections by prioritising new footpaths and cycleways and creating a green corridor linking to the planned canal greenway.