Dublin City Council and the Land Development Agency (LDA) have secured planning approval for Bluebell Waterways, a major new social and affordable housing development in Dublin 12.

The 2.8-hectare project, located beside the 5th Lock on the Grand Canal at the former filter bed complex, will deliver 383 sustainable, high-quality homes, alongside community spaces, a crèche, and landscaped open areas. The development will feature a mix of studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments across five blocks ranging from 5 to 9 storeys.

-- Advertisement --

Of the total homes, 150 will be social housing (39%) managed by Dublin City Council, with the remaining 233 cost-rental apartments (61%) overseen by the LDA, offering long-term rental accommodation at discounted market rates.

The development prioritises active travel, with new footpaths, cycleways, and a green corridor connecting to the planned canal greenway, enhancing access to the area’s existing public transport and road networks.

Approval was granted through a Part 8 planning process, following extensive consultation since May 2025 with local residents, businesses, community groups, and Bluebell Community Council, ensuring local voices were central to the design.

Bluebell Waterways has already earned recognition for its design and sustainability, winning the Housing/Community Project Award at the Irish Planning Institute Awards 2025 for its diverse tenure mix, high-quality design, and climate-conscious planning.

Construction is scheduled to begin in 2026, with the project delivered in two phases, combining social and cost-rental homes in each phase.