16-07-2025
Plans for Iveagh Gardens in Crumlin to be part of new architectural conservation area
The lands take in a 136-home housing estate and several sports pitches in the northern part of Crumlin.
A report, authored by DCC deputy city planner Malachy Bradley, said the area had a 'distinct and unique character' defined by its philanthropic origins and distinctive architectural design.
This part of Crumlin, Mr Bradley notes, is characterised by Dublin Corporation developments built between 1935 and 1945, but the Iveagh Gardens estate stands apart from these due to its building materials and design features.
'The Iveagh Gardens is easily identifiable with handsome brick-built houses having distinctive green natural slate roofs,' he wrote.
However, councillors in the DCC South East Area Committee questioned the inclusion of the sports facilities in the conservation area.
'I'd like somebody to tell me why we think a sports ground should from part of the ACA,' Independents 4 Change councillor Pat Dunne said.
'While I get the old pavilion that's there, the major development in the Iveagh grounds is the clubhouse.
'It certainly isn't an architectural gem by any means, and was probably built in the 1970s or thereabouts. So, I question as to why we should include those grounds.'
Fine Gael Councillor Patrick Kinsella said he was also worried that the inclusion of sports facilities in the ACA could mean the council finding itself in the situation down the road of inhibiting future sports developments.
Oisin Kelly, of the DCC conservation department, told councillors that the sporting facilities had many unique details like kerbs and fencing that warranted their inclusion in the ACA.
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Iveagh Garden's creation arose out of a decision in 1925 by the then Guinness Trust to build a 'suburban cottage' scheme, influenced by the 'garden suburb' model in Britain at the time.
Their proximity to key workplaces meant they could be made up of entirely residential units, with generous high-quality landscaping and tree-lined routes and vistas.
'Iveagh Gardens housing estate is a rare example of an intact early 20th century philanthropic housing initiative, its development integral to the architectural evolution of suburban Dublin,' DCC's report reads.
A 14-week public consultation period for the new conservation area will begin in September.
Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme
