Development at this site at no. 64-72 and 77 Seán MacDermott Street Lower…

Proposed development

PROTECTED STRUCTURE : The Office of Public Works, intend to apply for Planning Permission for development at this site at no. 64-72 and 77 Seán MacDermott Street Lower, Dublin 1 (Site A, 0.77 ha), at no. 61 and to the site of the former Scots Church, Sean MacDermott Street Lower Dublin I (Site B, 0.05 h protected structure (RPS no.7480); overall site area 0.82 h. Site A is bounded Seán MacDermott Street Lower to the North, Railway Street to the South, Sophia Housing and Buckley Student Accommodation to the East and St Mary's Mansions to West, Site B is bounded by Seán MacDermott Street Lower to the North, private residence to the East and Sophia Housing to the South and West. The development will consist of 1 The change of use of the former Our Lady of Charity and Refuge Convent and Magdalene Laundry to the National Centre for Research and Remembrance (NCRR) (total circa 7510sqpm); the provision of a purpose built archival repository (circa 4,030sqm, 2-4 storeys over basement); provision of 3 storey entrance wing (circa 210sqm) accessed via new shared pedestrian and vehicular entrances from Seán MacDermott Street Lower and Railway Street; and the conservation, refurbishment, and upgrade of the existing convent, chapel and dormitory block (circa 3,490sqm). The development will also comprise of the following- a. demolition of the existing single storey Gardener's Lodge (82sqm); b. demolition Of existing single storey glazed corridor (72sqm); c. demolition of existing lift shaft structure (20sqm) and external fire escape stairs; d. demolition of existing basement level store rooms, access steps and railings (9sqm); e. demolition of existing external single storey lean-to structure; f. demolition of existing site boundaries and external walls; g. provision of dedicated garden with hard and soft landscaping as a Garden of Reflection (circa 430sqm); h. provision of surface bicycle parking , hard and soft landscaping; integrated ESB substation; and all associated site works; 2. The provision of a new Educational Facility (circa 3,690sqm ) 3-5 storey block over basement (with rooftop terrace and rooftop plantroom enclosure setback at 3rd and 5th floors respectively); including single storey bin enclosure to Western boundary; the removal of existing boundary walls and entrance gate to Railway Street. This building will be located to the South West end of Site A facing onto Railway Street and accessed via shared new entrance from Railway Street; and will be provided with surface bicycle parking and 3no. bicycle shelters; hard and soft landscaping , new external courtyard; and all associated site works. 3. The conservation and refurbishment of existing derelict 2 storey Dispensary Building to provide a Community based Family and Parenting Support Facility (circa 480sqm); the addition of a new 2 story extension (circa 275sqm,, total circa 760sqm) to the North side with glazed entrance link: accessed from within the NCRR development site; the removal of existing oil tank; the reconfiguration of internal layouts; the provision of surface bicycle parking , external bin enclosure , hard and soft landscaping to a new external play space; and all associated site works; 4. The provision of a Community based Family and Parenting Support Facility attached to the existing Scots Church, and to adjoining site 61 Sean MacDermot Street Lower, Dublin I: the development - will include the removal of the existing 2 storey façade; the conservation of the historic Scots Church facade A protected structure RPS:7480); the provision of new 2 storey extension (circa 435sqm with rooftop plantroom enclosure setback; new railings and concealed bin enclosure; a new external play space; and all associated site works: 5. The provision of a new 6 storey Social Housing apartment building (circa 1,740sqm) consisting of 18no. 2 bed apartment units with rooftop plantroom enclosure setback; main access via Railway Street; the provision of resident access to NCRR development site to the rear of the residential block; the removal of existing boundary wall and entrance gates to Railway Street; the provision of ground level office; bicycle shelter accommodating , 12no. surface bicycle parking spaces; external bin enclosure , hard and soft landscaping to a new communal amenity space; and all associated site works .

What happens next

Permission was granted on 17 Jan 2025. Third parties may appeal within four weeks; after that the permission is final and works can start once a commencement notice is lodged.

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