Meath County Council grants permission for 716-home scheme at Castlefarm Rusk and Clonee, Co. Meath

In context

It is one of 98 housing scheme applications Meath County Council has received in the past twelve months, against 1,561 nationally. Of the 3,032 such applications decided by councils in the past three years, 79% were granted.

What happens next

The applicant, or anyone who made a submission on the application, can appeal the decision to An Coimisiún Pleanála within four weeks of 7 October 2025. If no appeal is lodged, the council’s decision stands and a final grant issues.

The development description, as lodged

Verbatim from the Meath County Council register. This is the source for every figure in the story above.

Permission for a Large-Scale Residential Development - the development will comprise amendments to the permitted development as per Large-scale Residential Development permission reference 23/849 which comprises 517no. apartment units, 44no. duplex units,155no. 2storey houses, a creche and associated site works. The proposed development incorporates the following amendments: (I) Reconfiguration of apartment block B1 with reduction of associated basement parking and provision of ground level parking in lieu of same. Apartment block B1 is amended with omission of 3no. 2 bed apartments to comprise a total of 67 apartments in lieu of 70 apartments as granted. (II) The omission of the Creche from apartment block B1 with a new two storey creche to be provided. (III) Revised phasing and associated site works. (IV) Reconfiguration of apartment block B2 with reduction of basement parking and provision of ground level parking in lieu of same. Apartment block B2 unit mix is amended with omission of 5no. 1 bed apartments and 3no. 2bed apartments to comprise 69 apartments in lieu of 77 apartments as granted. (V) The reduction in basement parking provision and overall parking provision will be amended by the provision of additional spaces at ground level. Revisions to bicycle storage provision are also proposed. (VI) Amendments to the design of duplex units (unit type D) comprising revised facades and roof designs to incorporate provision of a mono-pitch roof in lieu of previously approved pitch roofs. (VII) The amendment of 44no. duplex units from 1bed and 2bed units to now incorporate 2bed and 3bed units; (no change in overall duplex unit numbers proposed). (VIII) The overall residential unit numbers will decrease to 506no. apartment units, 44no. duplex units and 155no. dwelling houses (705 residential units in lieu of 716 units as granted). (IX) A revised phasing proposal with the creche provided in phase 1B. (X) Reconfiguration of public open space and communal space and associated site works.A Natura Impact Statement (NIS) has been prepared in respect of the proposed development and accompanies this application