SD24A/0187W
The construction of a 4-storey Primary Care Centre building which will provide HSE Services such as general primary care, mental health, disability and older person services; The building will accommodate GP rooms, day care centre with associated kitchen facilities and external deck amenity space, pharmacy, treatment/consultation rooms, primary care administrative offices, as well as ancillary accommodation including staff facilities, offices, meeting rooms, reception/waiting areas, ESB substation and plant; The development will be accessed via the existing avenue to the Citywest Campus entered from Garters Lane at the existing traffic light controlled junction, with a new internal road layout from the existing roundabout on the access avenue to provide 2 no. vehicular entrances to car parking within the subject site; The car parking will be divided into a dedicated staff car park and a visitor car park with both to be controlled by barrier access and a total of 158 no. car parking spaces provided; The proposal also includes bicycle parking, service yard, pumping station, SuDS drainage, PV panels at roof level, signage, landscaping, boundary treatment and all associated site works and services.
Core Planning Reasoning
Recommendation to GRANT permission as the development is justified by a demonstrated strategic need for healthcare infrastructure (Sláintecare) and is appropriately located near high-frequency public transport, despite representing a material contravention of the 'Open Space' zoning.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The material contravention of the 'OS' zoning is justified by national and local planning policies (Sláintecare, NSO10) that prioritize the delivery of Primary Care Centres to serve expanding populations.
- The design, scale, and 4-storey massing of the building are acceptable and will not negatively impact the residential amenity of neighboring properties due to sufficient setbacks and the retention of mature boundary trees.
- The site's proximity to the Saggart Luas stop and the provision of new pedestrian and cycle links ensure the development supports sustainable travel patterns and compact urban growth.