Plans for the large-scale regeneration of the Oliver Bond flat complex in Dublin’s inner city have been halted after the Department of Housing declined to support the proposal, citing concerns over value for money and a significant reduction in housing units.
The proposed redevelopment by Dublin City Council would have involved combining smaller flats into larger homes as part of a wider refurbishment of the ageing complex. However, the Department said the plans would have reduced the number of homes in three blocks from 74 units to 46.
In a statement, the Department said it could not support a proposal that would result in the loss of homes during an ongoing housing shortage.
“A large reduction in homes during a housing crisis cannot be supported,” the statement said, adding that 28 households would effectively have been displaced under the current plans.
The Department stressed that it remained supportive of regeneration projects aimed at upgrading older flat complexes to modern living standards. However, it has now asked Dublin City Council to revise the scheme to focus instead on a deep retrofit of the existing homes while maintaining housing numbers as much as possible.
The council had been expected to submit a planning application for the project in October, with construction originally due to begin in late 2028. The first redeveloped homes were anticipated to be completed by 2030.
Oliver Bond House, constructed in 1936, consists of 391 flats spread across 14 blocks between the River Liffey and the Liberties area of Dublin’s south inner city.
The complex has faced longstanding issues relating to housing conditions and social problems. Residents have repeatedly raised concerns about damp, mould and anti-social behaviour.
A report published in 2024 found that respiratory illness among residents was approximately twice as prevalent as in other parts of Dublin 8.
The Government’s decision prompted strong criticism from opposition parties in the Dáil.
Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald described the move as deeply damaging to residents.
“Yesterday you pulled the plug — your minister for housing blocked funding,” she said.
“It’s absurd, it’s cruel, and it’s a betrayal of this community.”
McDonald also called on Taoiseach Micheál Martin to reverse what she described as “an utterly disgraceful, disgusting decision.”
Social Democrats TD Jen Cummins said she was disappointed by how the matter had been handled and criticised the fact that councillors were informed before residents.
“I’m really disappointed in the Government’s treatment of this issue,” she said, while also calling for an apology to residents.
Responding in the Dáil, Taoiseach Micheál Martin defended the Government’s overall investment in housing regeneration projects but acknowledged concerns around communication.
“We are investing huge amounts in regeneration,” he said.
However, he added that “something happened in terms of engagement” and confirmed he would discuss the issue with the Housing Minister.
