Tuath Progresses 142 Social and Cost-Rental Homes on Infirmary Road
Approved housing body Tuath is advancing plans for 142 social and cost-rental apartments on Infirmary Road in Dublin 7, featuring a 12-storey block and the refurbishment of the Married Quarters building. The development will deliver 95 social homes and 47 cost-rental units across two new buildings and the existing Married Quarters building, according to reports.
Apartment Mix and Building Heights Across the Infirmary Road Site
The proposed scheme transforms a vacant city site into three distinct residential components. Tuath plans to construct one block reaching up to 12 storeys and a second block rising to six storeys. In addition, the development involves renovating the former Married Quarters building along Infirmary Road and converting it into five apartments.
The total housing mix of 142 units is divided into two distinct tenure types. The 95 social housing units comprise 50 one-bedroom apartments, 30 two-bedroom apartments, 13 three-bedroom apartments, and two studio flats. Meanwhile, the 47 cost-rental units consist of 30 one-bedroom and 17 two-bedroom apartments.
Councillor Concerns Over Overdevelopment and Family Infrastructure
Fine Gael councillor Ray McAdam told the Irish Independent that while he welcomes new urban housing, he fears the Infirmary Road project combined with other area developments could create overdevelopment. McAdam highlighted several neighbouring schemes, including the 1,000-home Montpelier project, a residential development on Parkgate Street featuring the country’s tallest building, and a former car dealership slated for a hotel and apartments.
Local residents share worries about whether community infrastructure will keep pace with population growth. McAdam pointed to a strong need for additional primary school places, potential secondary school provision, and increased recreation space. Although the Tuath site sits beside the council’s Isolation Hospital project—which is earmarked for significant community space—he argued that more play and sports areas remain necessary. He also questioned the relatively low count of three-bedroom apartments, noting that a huge number of families are waiting for homes of that size.
Janet Horner Warns Against Haphazard Parking in Car-Free Housing
Green Party councillor Janet Horner expressed stronger support for the project but emphasized that the council must make it explicitly clear to applicants that the development is entirely car-free with zero parking spaces. Drawing lessons from the nearby Montpelier scheme, Horner noted that residents moving into car-free social and cost-rental housing often still feel entitled to own vehicles.
Without designated parking infrastructure, surrounding footpaths frequently become blocked by vehicles parked haphazardly. Horner stressed that prospective tenants must explicitly accept the conditions of car-free urban living before moving into the development.
Timeline and Public Consultation Schedule for Tuath
Tuath Housing stated that the project will deliver high-quality housing in a sustainable, centrally-located community while prioritizing urban regeneration and heritage conservation. The organization plans to hold a public pre-planning consultation next month for members of the public. Subject to council approval, Tuath aims to submit a Part 8 planning application in the first quarter of 2027. Construction on the site is targeted to begin in the second quarter of 2028.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Infirmary Road Housing Scheme
What are cost-rental homes and how do they work in this development?
Cost-rental homes are offered at rents below comparable market levels, with specific rent-setting governed by the relevant cost-rental scheme. The development on Infirmary Road will provide 47 such units, consisting of 30 one-bed and 17 two-bed apartments.
What is the status of the planning application and when will construction start?
The project has not yet reached the formal planning application stage. Tuath will host a public pre-planning consultation next month, file a Part 8 planning application in the first quarter of 2027, and target a construction start date in the second quarter of 2028, provided councillors approve the project.
How many parking spaces are included in the Infirmary Road plans?
The development is designed entirely as a car-free scheme with no parking spaces included. Green Party councillor Janet Horner noted that applicants must accept car-free living conditions to avoid the footpath-blocking parking issues seen at nearby developments like Montpelier.
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