Sod turned for 129 new social and affordable homes in Clonskeagh

Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council are delivering 129 new social and affordable homes on council-owned land in Clonskeagh

Add to preferred sources News Stephen Holland Local Democracy Reporter 15:25, 12 Oct 2026 View Image Emmet Gardens Sod-Turning: Gerard O’Sullivan, Director of Housing, DLR; John Cummins T.D., Minister of State; Barry Saul, Cathaoirleach, DLR; James Browne T.D., Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage; Frank Curran, Chief Executive, DLR; Conor Rhatigan, Managing Director, Winterbrook Ltd. (Image: Shane O'Neill, Coalesce)

Work is officially underway on 129 new social and affordable homes in Clonskeagh.

Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council marked the milestone with a sod-turning ceremony attended by Minister for Housing James Browne, and Cathaoirleach Councillor Barry Saul and Chief Executive Frank Curran. Delivered on council-owned land, the development is in partnership with Winterbrook Ltd.

“With substantial support from my Department, this development will provide high-quality, energy-efficient homes that people can afford, while creating a vibrant, sustainable and well-connected community in an excellent location with access to public transport, services and amenities,” Minister Browne said.

“We are now delivering more social and affordable homes than at any other time in the history of the State, and I am determined to ensure that this momentum continues.

“Projects such as Emmet Gardens are vital to sustaining and building on that progress. They demonstrate what can be achieved when local authorities, Government and delivery partners work together with a shared ambition to increase housing supply and meet the needs of communities.

“I am refusing to stand still - we have to keep up the urgency and keep getting shovels in the ground. I want to see even more projects of this scale and ambition brought forward in every part of the country.”

Cllr Saul outlined the "significant amount of work” that has gone into getting the project to this stage and said he looks forward to welcoming new residents to Emmet Gardens. “These homes will provide new opportunities for individuals and families to put down roots and become part of the local community,” he said.

Chief Executive of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council Frank Curran explained that the development represents an “effective use of council-owned land” and that their focus is not just on delivery, but on creating sustainable neighbourhoods.

“With more than 1,000 housing units currently progressing through various stages of the council’s project pipeline, we remain firmly focused on maintaining that momentum and increasing the supply of social and affordable housing across the county,” he said.

The project is funded by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, with additional support from the Housing Agency through the Land Acquisition Fund. Minister of State for Planning and Local Government, John Cummins TD, commented:

“I’m working to ensure our local authorities and planning system have the resources they need to deliver homes like Emmet Gardens - in the right places and with the right facilities to ultimately build stronger communities. I’m looking forward to returning when it’s complete and to see people move into their new homes.”

This content is funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme

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