Housing Minister officially opens new social houses in Dunshaughlin

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien TD, today officially opened Clúid Housing’s development of 96 social homes at The Willows, Dunshaughlin.

The scheme is made up of 72 one-, two- and three-bed apartments, and 24 three-bed terrace houses, and will provide long-term, secure homes to households in housing need.

Whilst Clúid builds many of its own units, this scheme was delivered via Clúid’s bespoke Developer Design and Build process, whereby Clúid purchased the site and entered into a development agreement with GEM Construction. These homes are part of phase three of the development by GEM Construction, within a wider mixed tenure development of up to 900 homes and planned retail, hospitality and childcare facilities.

The Housing Minister, Cathaoirleach of Meath County Council, Cllr Nick Killian, and Chief Executive of Meath County Council Jackie Maguire, joined Clúid’s Chief Commercial Officer, Fiona Cormican, and GEM Construction’s Managing Director, Martin Healy, in launching the development.

The houses and apartments continue to be allocated to individuals and families from Meath County Council’s housing list. Meath County Council retain full nomination rights on the properties and will set the rent in accordance with the Council’s Differential Rents Scheme.

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien TD said: “Meath is one of the fastest growing counties in terms of population growth. It’s good to see Housing for All delivering for families here with housing stock increasing in recent years.

"Clúid Housing had a very strong year for delivery in 2022 and The Willows indicates a strong start in 2023. We continue to support Clúid and other not-for-profit Approved Housing Bodies to deliver on the Government’s housing targets by contributing to the 29,000 housing completions we’re aiming for in 2023.”

Cathaoirleach of Meath County Council, Cllr. Nick Killian, commented at the launch, “We are all acutely aware of the importance of having a secure and comfortable home, and this is what has been achieved for the applicants benefitting from this scheme and I would like to express my gratitude to every person, including the staff in Clúid Housing and Meath County Council, who have played their part in making this happen.”

Chief Executive of Meath County Council, Jackie Maguire, stated, “Meath County Council has achieved an ambitious social housing delivery programme over the past four years, with the coming on-stream of over 1,644 new social homes, across many delivery mechanisms. It is our intention to continue with an ambitious approach and to repeat the extent of this delivery under the auspices of ‘Housing for All’."

Brian O’Gorman, CEO of Clúid Housing, said, “We’ve a strong working relationship with Meath County Council and we greatly appreciate their support, and the support from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, the Housing Finance Agency, the Housing Agency and GEM Construction.

"Clúid’s vision is ‘a society where everyone has a great place to live’. These high quality and energy efficient homes ensure lower fuel bills and overall improved quality of life for our residents. It’s a fantastic way to start off the new year, with families moving into their new ‘forever’ homes.”

Minister O’Brien also visited the site of a new social housing development on Castle Street, Ashbourne, where Meath County Council will deliver a further 74 new homes on a site within walking distance of all town amenities.