Here is today's round-up of town planning news from around Ireland, covering the Land Development Agency's revised plans for 716 apartments at the Digital Hub in Dublin 8, an EU push to permit wind and solar farms within six months, 123 homes and a multi-sport pitch approved at St Teresa's Gardens, the Commission's refusal of the Graffy wind farm near Glenties, and a withdrawn application for 40 apartments in Waterford city.
LDA plans 716 apartments for Digital Hub lands in Dublin 8
The Land Development Agency has published revised plans for its Pear Tree Crossing scheme at the Digital Hub off Thomas Street, increasing the number of apartments from 550 to 716 in blocks of up to 13 storeys. The increase comes partly from one extra storey but mostly from smaller apartments permitted under the Government's new Design Standards for Apartments, issued last week as a national planning statement; more than a quarter of the units will still exceed the minimum sizes and just over 40 per cent will be dual aspect. The scheme would reinstate 14 buildings on Thomas Street and reuse industrial heritage buildings including Vat House 7 and Watling Warehouse, with an application to An Coimisiún Pleanála due by the end of the year and construction expected to start in 2028.
Source: The Irish Times (12 November 2026) (https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/2026/11/12/more-than-700-homes-planned-for-digital-hub-lands/)
EU Grids Package could see wind and solar farms permitted within six months
European Commissioner for Energy Dan Jorgensen has said that standard wind and solar developments, and the cables and grid infrastructure that serve them, could be permitted within six months under the EU Grids Package, with a maximum of two years for complex projects. He said permits can currently take five to ten years, and that negotiations are hoped to conclude before Christmas, during Ireland's presidency of the EU. Minister for Climate Darragh O'Brien has previously said passing the package is a priority for the presidency.
Source: The Irish Times (12 November 2026) (https://www.irishtimes.com/environment/2026/11/12/planning-for-wind-and-solar-farms-could-be-granted-within-six-months-under-new-plans/)
123 homes and multi-sport pitch approved at former St Teresa's Gardens
Dublin city councillors have approved 123 homes, 103 cost rental and 20 social, together with a multi-sport playing pitch and a new public park, on the former St Teresa's Gardens site in Dublin 8. The second phase of the LDA and Dublin City Council's Donore Project includes a 16-storey apartment block and a three-storey block of own-door ground-floor and duplex apartments. Construction is due to start next year, with the pitch to be finished by the end of 2027 and the homes by the end of 2028.
Source: The Irish Times (11 November 2026) (https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/2026/11/11/new-multi-sport-playing-pitch-and-123-homes-granted-permission-in-dublin-8/)
Commission refuses Graffy wind farm near Glenties over eagle risk
An Coimisiún Pleanála has refused permission for an eight-turbine wind farm at Graffy, near Glenties, Co Donegal, citing a significant collision risk for white-tailed eagles and habitat loss and displacement for golden eagles, both Annex I species. The Commission also found the turbines would be highly obtrusive in an area designated as Especially High Scenic Amenity, and stated that the refusal was consistent with its obligations under the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act 2015. The appeal by Cuilfeach Teoranta had been reactivated in 2025 after a successful High Court challenge to the Commission's 2023 decision.
Source: Donegal Live (11 November 2026) (https://www.donegallive.ie/news/an-coimisiun-pleanala-refuses-glenties-wind-farm-citing-eagle-safety-9345265)
Application for 40 apartments behind Tycor estate withdrawn
An application for 40 apartments in five blocks at the rear of The Willows estate in Tycor, Waterford city, has been withdrawn following opposition from local residents. The proposal comprised 24 one-bedroom, five two-bedroom and 11 three-bedroom apartments with 30 parking spaces, and residents had raised concerns about traffic safety, density, residential amenity and missing technical assessments.
Source: The Munster Express (11 November 2026) (https://www.munster-express.ie/developer-withdraws-apartment-block-application/)
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