New housing at Springvale, Chapelizod
On 8th January 2021, all but essential construction sites in Ireland were instructed to close by Government direction under national Level 5 restrictions to mitigate against the spread of COVID-19. A number of DCC sites including St. Teresa’s Gardens (54 homes), which reached substantial completion on 16th February 2021, were permitted to continue.
Throughout the 13 week shutdown however, City Architects Division and its external consultants have continued to deal with ongoing contractual matters relating to our projects on site. These matters include the processing of material & technical submissions, requests for information, site monitoring etc. Our contractors have also continued throughout this period to advance the procurement of subcontractors & specialist works packages, building materials and products, in order to ensure the least possible delay to the completion of much needed housing as a result of the site closures.
The Government has now allowed the resumption of construction activity on all residential and childcare projects, and Monday 12th March saw the welcome recommencement of construction activity on the following DCC social housing (and childcare) projects:
- Bunratty road: 78 homes
- Bonham Street: 57 homes
- Cork/Chamber Street: 55 homes
- Springvale, Chapelizod: 71 homes
- Dominick Street: 72 homes
- O’Devaney Gardens: 56 homes
- Cornamona Court: 61 homes
- Sean Foster Place: 30 homes
- Ballybough House pilot retrofit apartment project
- Griffith Hall Creche
Total number of homes now on site: 481
The effects of the shutdown on the programme for these sites will be assessed in the coming weeks, and revised completion dates will be agreed on a site by site basis. The first handovers are still expected to take place later in 2021 however.
Surveys and intrusive investigation works have also been allowed to recommence, in order to gather information relating to planning applications for new build schemes, refurbishments and demolitions.