Cosgrave Developments has been given the go-ahead for a €300m development at the former Dun Laoghaire golf course in south Dublin.

The new development will include more than 600 homes, mostly apartments, in buildings rising as high as seven storeys. Five parks, measuring a total of 7.5 acres, will also be provided as part of the scheme.

The new development is on the southern part of the 78-acre site and is in addition to more than 850 residential units that were approved by An Bord Pleanála last year.

Cosgrave took control of the former golf club after agreeing a land swap with the members that included a €20m fee and the provision of a new 27-hole golf course at Ballyman Glen on the border between Dublin and Wicklow.

The Dun Laoghaire land was rezoned in 2004 after the Department of the Environment ruled that insufficient land had been rezoned for housing.

Cosgrave Developments is part of the Cosgrave Property Group owned by Joe, Mick, Peter, Willie and Helen Cosgrave.

Dun Laoghaire golf club recently told members it is considering increasing fees and membership in an attempt to reduce an operating deficit that is expected to reach about €1.7m this year.