€11.55 Million Dublin 'Super-Home' Project: Aviation Tycoon's Ambitious Plan

An Irish aviation tycoon, Aengus Kelly, CEO of AerCap, and his wife, Deirdre O’Malley, are undertaking an ambitious project to create a 'super-home' on Dublin's prestigious Shrewsbury Road. The plan involves the amalgamation of two properties, No. 5 and No. 7 Shrewsbury Road, purchased for a combined €11.55 million. This development has sparked considerable interest, particularly given the couple's previous experience with planning disputes on the same street.

The 'Super-Home' Plans: A Detailed Look

The project aims to transform the two adjacent houses into a single, luxurious residence. The planning application submitted to Dublin City Council outlines a substantial renovation and extension. This includes the partial demolition of various floor levels in both houses to make way for a new five-bedroom, three-story structure with an additional one-bedroom apartment on the first floor. The ambitious design also incorporates a striking pyramidal glass roof on a ground-floor rear extension at No. 5.

Extensive Construction Work

The construction work will be extensive, involving the addition of new extensions to the front, sides, and rear of both properties. Furthermore, plans include the addition of attic dormers, and the replacement of the boundary wall between the two houses with new railings and hedging, seamlessly integrating the two properties.

Luxury Amenities and Landscaping

The proposed enhancements extend beyond the structural changes. The couple envisions adding a shallow reflective pool, a canopy-covered terrace at ground level, and planting new trees in the rear amenity space, creating a tranquil and opulent outdoor environment. The planned underground level from their previous extension shows their commitment to luxury living, with features including a gym, shower room, playroom, wine cellar, cinema and kitchenette.

Financial Success and Previous Planning Battles

The couple's substantial financial success underpins this project. Aengus Kelly's leadership at AerCap, a leading aircraft leasing company, resulted in a remarkable $3.14 billion in tax profits on revenues of $7.58 billion in 2023. Kelly’s impressive compensation package of $9.3 million in salary, bonus, and pension contributions further highlights the couple's financial capacity to undertake this project.

However, this isn't the couple's first foray into large-scale renovations on Shrewsbury Road. Their previous extension of No. 7, involving a three-story over-basement level addition, faced significant opposition from local residents and required navigation through a planning appeal process with An Bord Pleanala. This previous experience underscores the potential for further challenges with the current 'super-home' project, particularly given the scale and impact of the planned changes. The previous project included the addition of a 3,000 square foot subterranean level with a gym, shower room, playroom, wine cellar, cinema and kitchenette. The scale of this new project highlights the couple's commitment to luxurious living.

Navigating Potential Challenges and Community Concerns

The couple's history with planning disputes suggests a potential for friction with local residents and environmental groups. The previous project was met with resistance from the Shrewsbury Road Residential and Environmental Protection Association (SRREPA), leading to delays and appeals. The proposed ‘super-home’ is even larger, so it remains to be seen how the community will react and if there will be another appeal lodged. The couple will likely prioritize community relations and engage in transparent communication to minimize potential conflict and secure necessary approvals. This ambitious project highlights the ongoing demand for luxury housing in prime Dublin locations and the challenges associated with large-scale developments in established residential areas. The unique design elements, as well as the financial prowess behind the project, create a compelling story of Dublin real estate and high-end living. The final outcome will certainly be a case study in the balance between luxury development and community relations.