More than 700 new homes are planned for the Digital Hub site in Dublin 8, in a major proposed expansion of the long-awaited redevelopment near Thomas Street. The latest plans would deliver 716 apartments, including social and affordable housing, in buildings rising as high as 13 storeys.
Key details of the Dublin 8 housing proposal
The Land Development Agency (LDA) is preparing to submit a planning application to An Coimisiún Pleanála in the coming weeks. If approved, the scheme would significantly increase the number of apartments previously proposed for the site.
- Location: The former Digital Hub lands, just off Thomas Street in Dublin 8
- Homes proposed: 716 apartments
- Building heights: Blocks of up to 13 storeys
- Housing type: Social and affordable homes are included in the plans
- Next stage: Submission of a planning application to An Coimisiún Pleanála
The planned increase represents almost one-third more apartments than had previously been proposed for the development. The change comes as pressure remains high on Dublin’s housing supply and demand for cost-rental, social and affordable accommodation continues across the capital.
Follow the latest Ireland housing and public policy coverage on DailyDigest.
Why the Digital Hub project matters for Dublin housing
The Digital Hub lands occupy a strategically located area of Dublin 8, close to the city centre and existing communities around Thomas Street. A substantial residential scheme in this location could add homes within an established urban area rather than relying solely on new development at the city’s edge.
The proposal also forms part of a wider effort to increase public-sector involvement in housing delivery. The LDA has been tasked with bringing public land forward for residential development, with a focus on homes that can address different parts of the housing market.
For prospective tenants and buyers, the inclusion of social and affordable homes is particularly significant. However, the published plans do not yet establish the final allocation of homes, eligibility rules, rents or purchase prices. Those details would need to be confirmed as the project progresses through planning and delivery.
What happens next in the planning process?
The next formal step is the submission of the application to An Coimisiún Pleanála. Once lodged, the proposal will enter the statutory planning process, allowing the relevant documentation to be examined and submissions to be made.
The process will determine whether the development can proceed as proposed or whether changes are required. Considerations may include:
- the scale and height of the apartment blocks;
- the effect on surrounding streets and existing buildings;
- traffic, servicing and public transport impacts;
- the provision of open space and community facilities;
- environmental and architectural issues; and
- the balance of social, affordable and other residential units.
Planning approval would not mean that homes become available immediately. A further period would be required for detailed design, procurement and construction before residents could move into the completed apartments.
How the development could affect Dublin 8
A project of 716 homes could bring a sizeable new population to the area and strengthen demand for local shops, services and community facilities. Its central location may also allow residents to access employment, education and public transport without depending entirely on private cars.
At the same time, large urban schemes can raise questions about construction disruption, building design, public realm improvements and the capacity of local infrastructure. These issues are normally considered during the planning process, when detailed drawings and technical reports become available.
The proposed height of up to 13 storeys reflects the pressure to make efficient use of well-located urban land. It also means the relationship between the new blocks and nearby streetscapes will be closely examined.
For further Dublin news, planning developments and Ireland housing updates, visit NewsDigest.
Frequently asked questions
Where will the apartments be built?
The proposed homes would be built on the Digital Hub lands in Dublin 8, close to Thomas Street.
Who is behind the proposal?
The Land Development Agency is preparing the planning application.
How many homes are planned?
The current proposal includes 716 apartments, an increase of almost one-third on the number previously proposed.
Will all of the homes be social or affordable?
The plans include social and affordable housing, but the available information does not provide the final tenure breakdown or details of rents and prices.
When could construction begin?
No construction date has been confirmed. The application must first be submitted and assessed through the planning process, followed by detailed project preparation if permission is granted.
What the proposal means for Ireland’s housing debate
The Digital Hub plans arrive against a backdrop of sustained concern about housing availability, affordability and the delivery of new homes in Dublin. Increasing the number of apartments on a central public site could help make more efficient use of land while contributing to the supply of homes close to existing transport and services.
But the project remains at the planning stage. The number of homes ultimately delivered, the timetable and the precise mix of housing will depend on the application process and subsequent development decisions.
Conclusion
The planned 716-apartment redevelopment of the Digital Hub lands is one of the more significant new housing proposals for Dublin 8. It would expand the scheme previously envisaged and include social and affordable homes in a well-connected city-centre location. The next important milestone is the submission of the application to An Coimisiún Pleanála, after which the public will have a clearer view of the development’s design, impacts and delivery timeline.
For readers following Breaking News and Ireland housing, the proposal is an important development—but the homes will remain subject to planning approval and future construction decisions.