St Kevin's Hospital to become large-scale housing project amid fears of backlash from nearby residents

The red brick St Kevin’s Hospital, overlooking Lee Rd, is in the ownership of the Land Development Agency after it was put up for sale by the HSE for €2.95m. Details of the deal to acquire the 14-acre site have not been made available.
The LDA was established last year with the promise it would build 150,000 homes over 20 years using State land.
The agency is expected to brief city councillors this autumn on the details of its plans for the St Kevin’s site.
There are already warnings that residents in the Sunday’s Well and Shanakiel areas need to be consulted on the housing and infrastructure project to avoid a public backlash.

Fianna Fáil councillor Tony Fitzgerald said that, following public outrage around lack of infrastructure to support a 200-unit housing development at the nearby Good Shepherd convent, locals should have input into plans at St Kevin’s.
Mr Fitzgerald said: “St Kevin’s is a unique site with a lot of historical background to it.
“There are a lot of sad stories in relation to the site and this is land marked for future development for either social affordable or private housing.
“While I welcome the initiative that the site is under, there has to be consultation with the local residents.”
Kenneth Collins (SF) stressed that the council cannot continue to veto infrastructure projects like the Wilton Corridor plan which was shot down by councillors this week, despite support from the Green Party and Sinn Féin.