WORK COMMENCES ON €20M INFRASTRUCTURE UPGRADE AT ADAMSTOWN SDZ (SDCC

Work Commences on €20m Infrastructure Upgrade at Adamstown SDZ

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien TD joined the Mayor of South Dublin County, Cllr Ed O’Brien, and South Dublin County Council Chief Executive Daniel McLoughlin, as work commenced on three significant infrastructure projects at the Adamstown Strategic Development Zone (SDZ) in Dublin. The ambitious large-scale delivery of essential infrastructure in Adamstown consists of the construction of three separate projects: Airlie Park, Tandy’s Lane Park and the Celbridge Link Road.

A combined €15 million was allocated for the three projects by the then Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government through the Local Infrastructure Housing Activation Funds (LIHAF) with South Dublin County Council providing the extra €5 million in funding.

LIHAF is a key element of the Government’s drive to build more homes. The objective of the fund is to provide public off-site infrastructure to relieve critical infrastructure blockages. This enables the accelerated delivery of housing on key development sites in Dublin and urban areas of high demand for housing nationally.

South Dublin County Council’s successful LIHAF funding bid for financial support was linked to the delivery of 2,000 new homes within the Adamstown SDZ. The delivery of these homes is currently underway with over 1,500 homes already completed or contracted and the remaining 500 homes under construction. Within the large-scale delivery of homes, there are 300 homes at or below a cost of €300,000 and a further 500 at or below €320,000.

It is expected that work on all three projects will be completed in 2022.

Minister O’Brien, said, “LIHAF funded infrastructure projects nationally are now beginning to deliver on the objective of the fund and yield the large scale housing supply. The projects in South County Dublin are at the forefront of this housing delivery. I commend South Dublin County Council for the work it has done using the LIHAF grant funding to drive the delivery of these much-needed homes and providing them to families at below-market price.

Whilst just one element of our response to ensure we build more homes, LIHAF will support the delivery of many thousands of homes nationally. These social, affordable and private homes will help create new and sustainable communities across the country“

Cllr Ed O’Brien, Mayor of South Dublin County, said, “This Council has used LIHAF funding very effectively to unlock lands for development of homes for the residents of South Dublin. It is another indication of the Council’s commitment to meeting its housing targets and the proactive approach which it is willing to take to ensure these targets are met. The Minister’s visit also spoke well of his commitment to dealing effectively with the housing crisis and in particular the need for affordable housing in areas like South Dublin County”

Firebird Heating Solutions Designs New Envirocyl Quick Plumb Unit

There is no denying that these are challenging times for our planet and that the choices we make when heating our homes will have an impact. At the forefront of technology, Firebird Heating Solutions have always been committed to providing cost-effective, energy efficient heating solutions for Irish homes that not only meet, but easily exceed today’s legislative requirements.

All new buildings that are occupied after the 31st December 2020 will need to comply with the new Nearly Zero Energy Buildings (NZEB) requirement outlined in the Energy performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD). The nearly zero amount of energy required should be covered to a significant extent by energy from renewable sources. In Technical Guidance Document L (TGDL) 2011, Ireland had a renewables contribution of 10kWh/m2 whereas for TGDL 2019 Ireland must have a renewables contribution of 20% overall.

Firebird have an extensive range of renewable energy products such as the Enviroair heat pump and solar thermal systems. New to Firebird is the fully pre-plumbed and pre-wired Envirocyl Quick Plumb Unit which is an indoor product developed by Firebird Heating Solutions and is unique in that it allows for the combination of different heat sources in an efficient, space saving and cost-effective manner. It is designed to support the mechanical and electrical contractor, leaving the homeowner stress free, with a contemporary kitchen-like finished product.

Firebird Heating Solutions Envirocyl Quick Plumb Unit provides an easy solution when installing a Firebird Enviroair heat pump as a heat source and using our specifically designed low running cost PCB controller to manage your hot water and zoned heating system on gradient curved weather compensation. Priority hot water is enabled on all units, meaning that hot water is available on demand. The Quick Plumb Unit comes with wheels for easy movable access, a built-in drip tray for a quick drain down safe system and child safety in mind with a chain lockable door. Our single heat exchanger cylinder coil has a larger surface area for low temperature appliances, but it can also be manufactured with a twin coil adapted for solar and a heat pump. This now takes the emphasis off the higher side of energy demand in a BER which is for water heating and adds to the renewables contribution.

For further information on any Firebird products please visit www.firebird.ie or contact Firebird Heating Solutions: Tel: 026 45253 Email: info@firebird.ie

St Marys Mansions Regeneration

€23m Regeneration of St. Mary’s Mansions Completed

Clúid Housing has welcomed the first residents back to St. Mary’s Mansions following the extensive redevelopment of the 70-year-old inner city flat complex. The project is the result of a 3-year regeneration delivered in partnership with Dublin City Council, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Dublin’s North East Inner City (NEIC), the European Investment Bank (EIB), Ganson, the Housing Finance Agency (HFA) and Inner City Organisations Network (ICON).

Speaking at the announcement, Clúid Housing’s New Business Director, Fiona Cormican said: “The regeneration of St. Mary’s Mansions represents the beginning of a new chapter in the story of this part of the city. I have been involved with the community in Dublin’s North East inner city for many, many years now and seeing our residents receive the keys to their new home here today is a truly incredible experience. The true significance of having our own place to call home, our own front door, has been highlighted during the recent COVID 19 emergency. To this end Clúid reaffirms its commitment to providing more homes to more people.

We rely on partnerships to deliver quality housing and services to our residents. The regeneration of St. Mary’s Mansions is an excellent example of what can be achieved through partnerships between Clúid, the Department of Housing and Local Authorities like Dublin City Council. The regeneration of St. Mary’s is so much more than a redevelopment of a building, it is the reinstatement of the proud community that has lived here for many generations.”

80 high-quality homes for the local community

St. Mary’s Mansions was built by Dublin Corporation over 70 years ago and has undergone a total refurbishment bringing it up to current standards. The extensive works included the addition of two new floors to create 80 well-sized, high quality modern apartments and duplexes. The new homes are configured as 1, 2, 3 and 4-bedroom homes. Having worked with Clúid on the redesign of the scheme, more than 20 families are today moving back into the scheme. The remainder of the new residents will come from Dublin City Council’s housing list.

Speaking at the launch, Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien TD said: “The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage is delighted to have worked in partnership with Clúid Housing and Dublin City Council on the regeneration of St. Mary’s Mansions. This project has seen significant investment by the Department, and I am delighted to be here today to witness people from the local community moving into their new home.

Throughout the redevelopment of this housing scheme, Clúid has worked in close collaboration with both the returning residents and Dublin City Council to ensure the project was a success. It is clear to see that these high-quality homes will continue to foster a strong sense of community for generations to come.”

€23m Community Investment

Financed through a combination of loans from the Housing Finance Agency (HFA), European Investment Bank (EIB) and financial support from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Clúid invested a total of €23m in the redeveloped scheme.

Inner City Regeneration

The regeneration of St. Mary’s Mansions was conceived as the first major redevelopment in the area following the publication of the Mulvey report in 2016 which highlighted the need for action to make the North East inner city area a safe, attractive and vibrant living and working environment for the community and its families with opportunities for all to lead full lives. Local area TD and Minister for Finance, Paschal Donohoe commented: “Dublin’s North East inner city has always been home to an incredibly strong community and the regeneration of St. Mary’s Mansions is something the entire community can be proud of too. The residents returning to this complex have been actively involved in the redesign of these homes and the finished product is a welcoming, high quality housing development. I have no doubt that this will ensure the success of St. Mary’s Mansions for many years to come. I commend Clúid Housing, Dublin City Council and all those involved in the regeneration of this scheme. This is an excellent example of partnership.”

Innovative Design

Building on the strong sense of community in the area, the redesign of St. Mary’s Mansions has focused on the input of existing and new residents and a number of key features were specifically included to enhance overall quality of life. These include communal social and play areas, a community room and socially aware landscaping. At the heart of the regenerated St. Mary’s Mansions will be a central courtyard designed to support community activities.

Charlene Howe, whose family has lived in St. Mary’s Mansions for many years viewed her new home for the first time today. Discussing the consultation between Clúid and the residents she said: “Growing up in St. Mary’s Mansions it was an open complex and it really had a good community spirit. Neighbours were close to each other so with the new development we wanted to keep the open balconies. It was really important being on board from day one.”

The scheme is accessed through a newly developed entrance on Gloucester Place Lower, resulting in improved security by reanimating a formerly underused space. The introduction of a new lift and additional stairwells has improved access for all residents. The regeneration sees the introduction of more car and bike parking facilities and a secure, easily maintained bin store.

Sustainability

The BER (Building Energy Rating) in each apartment is now an impressive A. Combined with an affordable rent, the reduced fuel costs will help to combat fuel poverty among residents. Solar electricity which supplements demand across the development, further reduces living costs. The use of cutting-edge insulation technology eliminates heat loss while a high efficiency gas fired centralised heating system provides heating and hot water on demand via monitored heat-units in each home. Combined, the result is a super-efficient home with estimated total annual heating and hot water costs of around €300 per apartment.

Lord Mayor of Dublin, Hazel Chu spoke while greeting residents as they received the keys to their new home today: “After an incredible redevelopment and significant investment, I am delighted to see this scheme completed and providing super-efficient homes to people on Dublin City Council’s housing list. Together with other local amenities here in the heart of the city, St. Mary’s Mansions is a shining example of collaboration and partnership. I wish all the residents the very best of luck in their new homes for many years to come.”