IRELAND’S largest public housing project with 51 houses priced at €334k is set to hit the market.
Taoiseach Simon Harris and Housing Minister Darragh O’Brien officially launched the first of the new homes at Shanganagh Castle Estate in Shankill, Co Dublin today.
The new development will consist of 597 new affordable, cost rental and social homes, with prices starting at €334,600 and rents for the apartments starting from €1250 per month.
Delivered by the Land Development Agency (LDA) and Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council (DLR), it’s the first of a pipeline of around 20 housing projects.
The new properties will be launched in different phases.
Phase one includes 51 affordable purchase houses, 195 cost rental apartments and 35 social apartments.
Eligible buyers can apply to purchase the 51 houses on Wednesday October 9 from 12 noon, including 21 two-bed and 30 three-bed properties.
The application portal for the 195 cost rental apartments will open later this year – with the 316 remaining apartments being made available in two subsequent phases in 2025.
Taoiseach Simon Harris said: “I am delighted to be in Shanganagh to launch this fantastic housing development and particularly pleased to see the mix of high-quality affordable purchase, cost rental and social homes.
“The government is investing significantly in increasing the supply of affordable and social housing and it’s great to see this funding is being used to deliver not just new housing, but new facilities, amenities and ultimately new communities.”
The Taoiseach said that housing is his “number one priority”.
Mr Harris continued: “The delivery of affordable housing developments on State land like this is a testament to what we can achieve.
“This new development is superbly located and completed to the highest construction and environmental standards.
“I would like to congratulate the LDA and DLR on what has been achieved here and I look forward to visiting again to meet the new residents of Shanganagh Castle Estate.”
The affordable purchase homes are being made available under the Local Authority Affordable Purchase Scheme – allowing buyers to bridge the gap between the price of the house and the amount of personal funds and maximum mortgage available to them.
‘JUST FANTASIC’
Housing Minister Darragh O’Brien told how it was “fantastic” to be back at site launching homes for sale less than two years after he had the pleasure of turning sod on the development.
He continued: “To see what has been achieved in such as relatively short space of time is incredible.
“This is the first affordable housing development to be directly delivered by the LDA on state-owned land and it will soon be followed by many others.
“The LDA has already delivered a series of top quality affordable homes by partnering with developers under Project Tosaigh and considerable progress is now being made on state-owned sites, in partnership with DLR in this case.
“A greater supply of affordable housing is a key element of the government’s Housing for All plan and delivery is ramping up significantly.”
‘OUR VISION’
JOHN Coleman, Chief Executive of the LDA said: “Shanganagh Castle Estate is a highly significant development for the LDA.
“It’s the largest public housing project in recent years and our first affordable housing development to be directly delivered on state-owned land.
“It’s also a great example of the LDA’s expertise, our design standards and our vision.
“Working closely with our partners DLRCC and our contractors Walls Construction, we have been able to complete the first of 597 homes in just under two years of active construction.
“We are extremely pleased to be making these new homes available at affordable prices for buyers and affordable rates for renters.
“This is a major achievement for the LDA, but it is just one of a growing number of affordable housing developments we are working on.”
Mr Coleman thanked the government and LDA staff.
He added: “Their hard work and commitment got us to this point and will continue to ensure we deliver on our important remit.”
Jim O’Leary, Cathaoirleach of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council praised it as a “great day” for Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council and for the Shanganagh and Shankill areas.
He said the “high-quality” estate will allow residents to enjoy a “super quality of life with excellent facilities and amenities” nearby, including Shanganagh Park, Shankill and Bray villages, a planned new Dart station, beautiful beaches stunning coastline and wonderful countryside.
Sustainability features in the home include very low energy demand, low car parking provision (0.54 spaces per home), high bicycle parking provision of over 1,300 spaces, and design features to “make working from home easier”.
Frank Curran, Chief Executive of Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council said: “Shanganagh Castle Estate is a fantastic new housing development with a great mix of affordable purchase, cost rental and social homes.
“The estate is located in a wonderful area with an array of amenities, facilities and services nearby.”
More details on the homes and the application process can be found here and details on the eligibility criteria can be found here.