Planning permission has been granted for 123 new homes, a public park and a multi-sport playing pitch at the former St Teresa’s Gardens site in Dublin 8. The project, led by the Land Development Agency (LDA) and Dublin City Council, is expected to add affordable housing and major recreational facilities to the Donore area.
Key details of the Dublin 8 development
The approved second phase of the Donore Project will provide a mix of cost-rental and social homes alongside new community amenities. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2027, with the playing pitch targeted for completion by the end of 2027 and the homes expected to be finished by the end of 2028.
- 123 homes in total
- 103 cost-rental homes
- 20 social homes
- A multi-sport pitch for soccer, rugby and GAA
- A new public park and landscaped open spaces
The decision is significant for Ireland’s housing programme because it combines residential delivery with public facilities. Rather than creating a standalone apartment scheme, the plans are intended to support a wider neighbourhood with parks, play areas, exercise spaces and sports infrastructure.
What homes are included in the Dublin 8 plans?
The residential element will be split between two buildings with different scales and apartment layouts.
Sixteen-storey apartment building
The taller building will contain 103 apartments, comprising:
- One studio apartment
- 71 one-bedroom apartments
- 31 two-bedroom apartments
Three-storey apartment and duplex building
The second building will include ground-floor and upper-level duplex homes, with own-door access. It will provide:
- Two one-bedroom apartments
- Eight two-bedroom apartments
- Ten three-bedroom apartments
The mix is designed to accommodate different household sizes, including smaller households and families seeking social or cost-rental accommodation. Details on allocation, rents and eligibility will be provided through the relevant housing authorities when the homes become available.
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New sports and public spaces planned
The multi-sport playing pitch is intended to support several popular sports, including soccer, rugby and Gaelic games. Its flexible design could give local clubs, schools and residents access to a shared outdoor facility, although future operating arrangements have not been detailed.
A new public park will be positioned north of existing homes on the South Circular Road, close to the former Bailey Gibson site. The wider landscape plan also includes playgrounds, exercise areas and additional open space.
These elements are important in a densely developed part of Dublin, where access to safe, well-designed outdoor areas can influence the quality of life for residents. The project’s stated aim is to create a complete community rather than simply add apartment buildings.
How the Donore Project is changing the area
The approved homes form the second phase of a much larger redevelopment of the former St Teresa’s Gardens complex. The LDA and Dublin City Council are already progressing the first phase, which will deliver 542 homes at the site. The first apartments from that phase are expected early next year.
When both phases are complete, the development is expected to be home to more than 1,000 people. That population increase will bring greater demand for transport, schools, local services, childcare, shops and community facilities in Dublin 8.
The project is supported by the Government’s Housing Infrastructure Investment Fund, administered by the Housing Activation Office within the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. The fund supports infrastructure connected with housing delivery and is intended to help unlock large-scale residential developments.
Why the approval matters for Ireland’s housing supply
Cost-rental and social housing are central parts of the public response to Ireland’s housing shortage. Cost-rental homes are generally intended for households whose incomes are above social-housing thresholds but who still face difficulty accessing secure, affordable private rentals. Social homes are allocated under local-authority housing policies.
The Donore approval also reflects a broader planning approach in which housing is delivered alongside community infrastructure. For residents, the practical benefits will depend on construction progress, final design, access arrangements and how facilities are managed once operational.
What happens next?
Construction is expected to start in 2027. The current delivery targets are:
- Construction begins next year.
- The multi-sport pitch is completed by the end of 2027.
- The 123 homes are completed by the end of 2028.
- The park, playgrounds and landscaped areas progress as part of the wider development.
As with any major construction project, timings may be affected by procurement, site conditions, construction progress or other planning requirements. Further information about construction impacts and future resident services is expected as the project advances.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the development?
The scheme is located at the former St Teresa’s Gardens complex in Dublin 8, near the South Circular Road and the former Bailey Gibson site.
How many homes have been approved?
Planning permission has been granted for 123 homes: 103 cost-rental apartments and 20 social homes.
What sports will the pitch support?
The pitch is planned as a multi-sport facility for activities including soccer, rugby and GAA games.
When will the homes be ready?
Construction is due to begin in 2027, with completion of the homes targeted for the end of 2028.
Conclusion
This Dublin 8 decision is an important step for the Donore Project, combining 123 new homes with a sports pitch, public park and community spaces. For Ireland’s housing programme, the development shows the value of linking affordable homes with the infrastructure residents need. The next key milestones will be the start of construction, delivery of the pitch in 2027 and completion of the homes by the end of 2028.