Dundrum Central: High Court Challenge Withdrawn, Paving Way for 1,000 Affordable Homes

The construction of almost 1,000 homes on the site of the former Central Mental Hospital in Dundrum, south Dublin, is set to proceed after developer Mark Leonard withdrew his High Court challenge on Monday, March 9, 2026. The development, known as Dundrum Central, will deliver a mix of affordable purchase, cost-rental, and social housing units.

Legal Challenge Withdrawn

Lawyers for Mark Leonard informed Judge David Holland that the judicial review proceedings against An Coimisiún Pleanála (ACP) and Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council were being withdrawn Irish Times. Leonard had initiated the proceedings last month, contesting ACP’s December decision to grant permission to the county council and the Land Development Agency (LDA) for the housing project. Crucially, Leonard had not yet obtained leave – or permission – from the court to pursue the case.

Project Details and Timeline

The Land Development Agency (LDA), a State body tasked with delivering affordable housing, is leading the development. Enabling works are currently underway and are expected to continue until the third quarter of 2026 Waterford News. Main construction is slated to commence after that, with the first homes targeted for completion by the complete of 2028 Head Topics. The overall completion date for the project is estimated to be 2030.

Affordability and Cost

The development will comprise a mix of housing types, including apartments, duplexes, and houses. According to John Coleman, chief executive of the LDA, affordable cost rental homes will be priced between 25 and 33 percent lower than market value WN.com. The cost of the homes will be finalized closer to completion, reflecting market conditions at that time.

Previous Legal Challenges and Project Costs

This is not the first legal challenge to a housing development on the site. Leonard previously challenged permission granted for 852 homes under the now-defunct fast-track strategic housing development scheme. A previous court challenge delayed plans by two years and added “at least €30 million” to the €400 million project cost, equating to at least €30,000 per home WN.com.

Site Modifications

The development plans include modifications to the site, such as using the former main hospital entrance on Dundrum Road solely for emergency vehicles and creating a new entrance further south. The high walls surrounding the location will also be lowered. The LDA is exploring options for repurposing the protected structure of the old hospital building.