The Indo Daily: Ireland’s ‘nimby’ problem – how one developer is blocking the construction of 850 new homes

The Land Development Agency is turning vacant state land at Dundrum's Central Mental Hospital into a new housing development for over 850 houses, duplexes and apartments. Despite planning permission being granted, there is no construction taking place because “one single individual” is holding up the development, who happens to be a property developer himself. Host: Tabitha Monahan. Guest: Fionnán Sheahan

Ireland’s ‘nimby’ problem

The Land Development Agency is turning vacant state land at Dundrum's Central Mental Hospital on Dublin’s southside into a new housing development for over 850 houses, duplexes and apartments on the site. Finishing it all will take up to a decade, but residents will be handed keys in the first phase within two years of shovels going in the ground.

Despite planning permission being granted, there is no construction taking place because “one single individual” is holding up the development, who happens to be a property developer himself.

Mark Leonard lives over the 18-foot wall of the site and is taking legal action against the project. He is taking a judicial review against An Bord Pleanála’s decision to grant permission.

Separately, Mr Leonard’s property development business contacted the LDA about a project of its own in Cork city, the Irish Independent has learned.

Mr Leonard runs a property development business called Centurion Homes with his cousin and business partner, Noel Barry, who approached the LDA in December about a development the company was working on.

“I am looking to speak to someone about a project we have in Cork city for 121 apartments and duplex units,” said Mr Barry, who followed up this query last January. It is not clear what assistance he was seeking from the LDA.

Today on The Indo Daily, Tabitha Monahan is joined by Ireland Editor at the Irish Independent, Fionnán Sheehan, to discuss whether the Irish planning system needs a radical overhaul.