255-bed build proposed for UCC site

A proposed new UCC student accommodation building — the 255-bed development at Victoria Cross — is set to rise to eight and up 10 storeys, across four linked blocks, on the former western suburban site of the Crow’s Nest bar.

UCC, which acquired the assembled Victoria Cross site from a private developer last year, has just now been allowed to submit the multimillion-euro project directly to An Bord Pleanála, after the board ruled it qualified for rapid planning consideration under new strategic housing development (SHD) terms.

SHD regulations were introduced in June as part of the Rebuilding Ireland Government initiative, and projects of 100-plus houses, or 200-plus student apartments are eligible, with a ruling timeline for the board to consider all aspects, including objections, set at 25 weeks.