The Land Development Agency (LDA) is beginning construction on a total of 1,162 homes in north County Dublin.
The sod has been turned by Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne TD, on two new housing developments – Hampton Demesne, formerly Castlelands in Balbriggan, and Priory Fields, formerly Hacketstown, Skerries.
The Hampton Demesne development, being built by Ballymore, will comprise 817 Affordable Purchase, Cost Rental and social homes.
They will be delivered across a range of housing options, including one-, two- and three-bed apartments; two-, three-, four-bed houses; and three-bed duplexes.
Phase 1 of the development includes 207 Affordable Purchase homes and 52 social homes, as well as the new Castlelands link road, which will connect Hamilton Road and the R127.
It is expected to be complete by the end of 2027.
The development will be well serviced by bike and car parking and a range of amenities, including a childcare facility and an outdoor play area and a local neighbourhood retail centre.
It will also include a new park with recreational amenities for all age groups, including playgrounds, multi-use games areas, basketball courts, outdoor gym, and skateboard plaza.
The new link road, which bridges the Dublin-Belfast railway, will be a valuable addition to the current road infrastructure and will also unlock land earmarked for a new swimming pool being brought forward by Fingal County Council, as well as a future school site.
Priory Fields will deliver 345 affordable homes, including 101 social, 117 cost-rental, and 127 affordable purchase homes.
The first phase of 176 homes, being built by Lydon, consists of one-, two-, and three-bed apartments, ranging in height from two to four storeys. The three-bed houses will be delivered in Phase 2.
The development includes a crèche, community space, pedestrian and cycle routes and parking.
John Coleman, Chief Executive of the Land Development Agency said: "These are significant developments for the LDA and mark a major delivery milestone in the provision of affordable housing.
"I would like to recognise the considerable work undertaken by both the LDA and its construction partners Ballymore and Lydon, as well as colleagues in Fingal County Council, in getting us to this stage for both projects.
"These sites are superbly located and will enhance the existing communities in Balbriggan and Skerries.
"When these developments come to fruition, the homes and amenities will foster lasting communities and generate a positive social impact for new and existing residents.
"I would like to thank Minister Browne for joining us to turn the sod and for the Government’s ongoing support of the LDA’s ambitions."
Photo Mark Stedman
