O’Callaghan gets go-ahead for Liffey Valley applications

DEVELOPER Owen O’Callaghan has been given a thumbs-up by South Dublin County Council for two further phases of his massive Liffey Valley development, which could see work start this year on elements of a further €1 billion investment.

The local authority has signalled its support, subject to an appeals period of several more weeks, on two associated 2009 planning applications for developers Barkhill, a 50:50 venture between O’Callaghan Properties and British-based Grosvenor.

One application is for a 100,000sq ft food mall while the other is for a 350,000sq ft extension to the existing retail complex.

So far, about one third of Liffey Valley’s 180-acre site has been developed. The two applications cover another 60 acres, leaving about 60 other acres for further development.

The Liffey Valley Shopping Centre already attracts up to 10 million shoppers a year, and was recently granted Major Town Centre zoning status.

At present, it has 350,000sq ft of shops, plus a further 300,000sq ft of retail park, a 350-bedroomed hotel, 120,000sq ft of offices, four motor malls and a 13-screen cinema. Retail anchors include Marks and Spencer and Dunnes Stores, along with Boots and H&M.

Liffey Valley is also on the proposed Metro west tram line, with a LUAS links also planned.

It is understood that Barkhill/OCP would commence work on site in 2010 if no planning objections are made on the two applications just approved this week by the South Dublin Council.

O’Callaghan Properties just completed its €500m Opera Lane shops and apartment development in Cork city centre in recent months.