Latest news with #JohnSpain
Irish Independent
18-06-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
Plans for over 400 student bed spaces 1km from UCD opposed by residents and River Dodder anglers
In the plans lodged with Dublin City Council, a Bain Capital vehicle called Harley Issuer DAC is seeking permission for the 439 bed spaces across five blocks from one storey to part-seven-storeys along with 16 residential apartments. The large-scale residential development (LRD), located 1km north-west of UCD's main campus at Belfield, also includes the extension and renovation of 14 existing residential dwellings at Clonskeagh Road. Proposed development at the old Paper Mills site in Clonskeagh, Dublin Today's News in 90 seconds - 18th June 2025 In an accompanying planning report by consultants John Spain, it states that 'the scale of the proposed development is considered to integrate appropriately with its surroundings, whilst introducing increased height'. However, in an objection, the Dodder Anglers Association, which represents over 1,300 members, states that it is very concerned the proposals 'could damage the biodiversity of River Dodder green/blue corridor and are in breach with Dublin city council's biodiversity action plan as well as the EU habitats Directive and water Framework Directive'. On behalf of the Eglinton Residents Association, Robin Mandal has hit out at what he believes to be 'a proposed gross over-development of this sensitive site'. 'We believe that the proposed development would constitute over-development of the site by virtue of its height, scale, bulk and massing at this sensitive and highly visible site on the banks of the River Dodder,' he said. Mr Mandal contends that the scheme's 'impact on the biodiversity and flora and fauna of the riparian setting will be profound, obliterating much of value'. He said the site 'has remained vacant and unused for more than 20 years'. Chair of the Richview Residents Association, Marion Cashman, said: 'There have been seven planning applications on this site over 20 years. 'The number of units proposed ranged from 130 units in 2005 to the now proposed 440 student bed spaces and 30 residences. 'The current proposal is an overdevelopment of the site and would set an undesirable and unacceptable precedent for this sensitive location on the River Dodder and other such sites.' The market for student accommodation provision in south Dublin is a lucrative one with UCD generating €42.8m in rental income from student residences on campus in 2024.
Irish Independent
12-05-2025
- Science
- Irish Independent
Sensor to let clothes bank operators know when bins are full exhibited at Sligo ATU engineering expo
Sponsored by Abbott, the event continues to serve as a platform to explore careers in engineering, computing, and technology. A range of high-profile exhibitors were in attendance, including Abbott, Hollister, Philips Medisize, Kirby Group Engineering, and the AIMS Centre, showcasing the latest in industry innovation and career opportunities. Among the standout moments of the 2025 Expo was the announcement of this year's student project award winners. John Spain and Lucy Malone (BEng in Robotics and Automation) took home the Public Vote for Best Project for their creation of MADRA – a Motorised Agile Dextrous Robotic Animal. Other winners included Pablo Pacheco Ruiz (BEng in Electronic and Computing) for his Smart Irrigation System, awarded in the Electronics & Computing category by Philips-Medisize Sligo. Jack Quinn and Mahmoud Tahmasebi (BEng in Robotics and Automation) who earned recognition from AbbVie in the Mechatronic Engineering category for a Development Platform for Autonomous Driving using ACNMR. Joseph and Emmet Flanagan (BEng in Mechanical Engineering) who received the Mechanical and Precision Engineering award from Abbott Diabetes Care for their Bin Surveillance System (BSS), use a simple sensor device fitted to clothes banks, to tell when the units are full. This device will alert collectors when clothes banks need to be emptied, which will save money on transport costs and reduce spoiling of donations. The Ronan Healy Memorial Award went to Oisín McLoughlin and Killian Hagan (BEng Hons in Robotics and Automation) for their project Legatron, presented by Abbott. This innovative device is designed to assist individuals with reduced mobility by enabling them to walk more independently. ADVERTISEMENT New for 2025, the Expo introduced a Fireside Chat Stage, where attendees listened to thought-provoking conversations with industry leaders, engineers, alumni, and educators sharing insights into emerging trends and career journeys. Support services were also on hand, including the ATU Careers Service, ATU Apprenticeships, and ATU Online Learning, offering guidance and information to prospective students and upskilling professionals alike. Speaker at the event, Trevor McSharry, Head of Faculty of Engineering & Design at ATU Sligo, said: 'The Sligo Engineering & Technology Expo continues to be one of the most exciting and engaging events of our academic year. 'It connects our students with industry leaders, opens doors for secondary school pupils considering their future, and gives the public a real sense of the opportunities available in this dynamic and evolving sector.' Also commenting at the event, Sean O'Hara, Site Director of Abbott's Diabetes business in Donegal, said: 'The future of the world we live in will be shaped by the creativity and ingenuity of the next generation of engineers and computer graduates. 'Every day at Abbott, these professions contribute to game-changing healthcare innovations that improve lives. We are proud to sponsor the Sligo Engineering & Technology Expo again this year and hope it inspires many young people from across the Northwest to pursue these exciting and impactful careers.'
Business Mayor
09-05-2025
- Business
- Business Mayor
Planning permission sought for Clonskeagh student homes
A Bain Capital backed firm is to lodge plans for 439 purpose built student bed spaces for the former Smurfit Paper Mills site at Clonskeagh in Dublin 6. In the planning application, Bain Capital vehicle, Harley Issuer DAC is seeking planning permission for the beds across five blocks from one storey to part seven storeys along with 16 apartments. The Large Scale Residential Development (LRD) also includes the extension and renovation of 14 existing homes at Clonskeagh Road. In lodging the Purpose Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) plans, the firm is looking to tap into the lucrative market for student housing in south Dublin. The 2023/2024 annual report by University College Dublin (UCD) shows it generated €42.8 million in 'rental income from student residences on campus' in the 12 months to the end of September last. The planned scheme is 1km north-west of UCD's Belfield campus, and a report with the application states that excluding overseas students, the total UCD student population is currently 37,899. The new LRD plan supersedes a permitted five apartment scheme for the site where planning permission is due to expire in June of this year. An accompanying planning report by consultant, John Spain, states that 'the scale of the proposed development is considered to integrate appropriately with its surroundings, whilst introducing increased height'. Mr Spain also states that the proposal constitutes' the sustainable development of these underutilised lands and will enhance the appearance of the site'. The Spain report states that the proposed PBSA scheme, which will provide 439 purpose built student bedspaces 'will fulfil an identified need for student accommodation for UCD'. Read More Ryanair agrees partnership deal with Expedia The planning report adds that the scheme 'represents a suitable form, design and scale of development for this strategically located underutilised site, which will provide for an effective and efficient use of this site which is highly accessible and well served by public transport'. In a separate 'Student Accommodation Demand, Concentration and Justification Report' by John Spain Associates, it states that the provision of a purpose-built and managed student accommodation scheme 'will accommodate some of the student population currently living in privately rented accommodation in the area in the new development'.
Irish Times
09-05-2025
- Business
- Irish Times
Planning permission sought for Clonskeagh student homes
A Bain Capital backed firm is to lodge plans for 439 purpose built student bed spaces for the former Smurfit Paper Mills site at Clonskeagh in Dublin 6. In the planning application, Bain Capital vehicle, Harley Issuer DAC is seeking planning permission for the beds across five blocks from one storey to part seven storeys along with 16 apartments. The Large Scale Residential Development (LRD) also includes the extension and renovation of 14 existing homes at Clonskeagh Road. In lodging the Purpose Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) plans, the firm is looking to tap into the lucrative market for student housing in south Dublin. READ MORE The 2023/2024 annual report by University College Dublin (UCD) shows it generated €42.8 million in 'rental income from student residences on campus' in the 12 months to the end of September last. The planned scheme is 1km north-west of UCD's Belfield campus, and a report with the application states that excluding overseas students, the total UCD student population is currently 37,899. The new LRD plan supersedes a permitted five apartment scheme for the site where planning permission is due to expire in June of this year. An accompanying planning report by consultant, John Spain, states that 'the scale of the proposed development is considered to integrate appropriately with its surroundings, whilst introducing increased height'. Mr Spain also states that the proposal constitutes' the sustainable development of these underutilised lands and will enhance the appearance of the site'. The Spain report states that the proposed PBSA scheme, which will provide 439 purpose built student bedspaces 'will fulfil an identified need for student accommodation for UCD'. The planning report adds that the scheme 'represents a suitable form, design and scale of development for this strategically located underutilised site, which will provide for an effective and efficient use of this site which is highly accessible and well served by public transport'. In a separate 'Student Accommodation Demand, Concentration and Justification Report' by John Spain Associates, it states that the provision of a purpose-built and managed student accommodation scheme 'will accommodate some of the student population currently living in privately rented accommodation in the area in the new development'.
RTÉ News
09-05-2025
- Business
- RTÉ News
Bain Capital seeks planning for student accommodation at former Smurfit Paper Mills site
A Bain Capital backed firm is to lodge plans in the coming days for 439 purpose built student bed spaces for the former Smurfit Paper Mills site at Clonskeagh in Dublin 6. In the planning application, Bain Capital vehicle, Harley Issuer DAC is seeking planning permission for the 439 bed spaces across five blocks from one storey to part seven storeys along with 16 residential apartments. The Large Scale Residential Development also includes the extension and renovation of 14 existing residential dwellings at Clonskeagh Road. In lodging the Purpose Built Student Accommodation plans the firm is looking to tap into the lucrative market of student accommodation provision in south Dublin. The 2023/2024 annual report by the market leader in the south Dublin sector, University College Dublin shows that it generated €42.8 million in 'rental income from student residences on campus' in the 12 months to the end of September last. The planned scheme is 1km north-west of UCD's main campus at Belfield, and a report with the application states that excluding overseas students, the total UCD student population is currently 37,899. The new LRD plan supersedes a permitted five apartment scheme for the site where planning permission is due to expire in June of this year. An accompanying planning report by consultants, John Spain states that "the scale of the proposed development is considered to integrate appropriately with its surroundings, whilst introducing increased height". Mr Spain also states that the proposal constitutes "the sustainable development of these underutilised lands and will enhance the appearance of the site". The Spain report said that the proposed PBSA scheme, which will provide 439 purpose built student bedspaces "will fulfil an identified need for student accommodation for UCD". The planning report states that the scheme "represents a suitable form, design and scale of development for this strategically located underutilised site, which will provide for an effective and efficient use of this site which is highly accessible and well served by public transport". The planning report said that the provision of a PBSA development will also promote "urban consolidation and increase building heights in an appropriate location close to major universities that is well served by quality public transport". In a separate Student Accommodation Demand, Concentration and Justification Report report by John Spain Associates, it states that the provision of a purpose-built and managed student accommodation scheme "will accommodate some of the student population currently living in privately rented accommodation in the area in the new development". The report states that the provision of purpose-built student accommodation will have significant benefits in terms of freeing up existing housing, and this will make an important contribution to meeting the existing significant demand for housing in the city.
