Council signs contracts for 129 new social and affordable homes in south Dublin
Contracts have been signed for 129 new social and affordable homes at Emmet Gardens in Dundrum, after it was approved by councillors last year.
The 72 one‑bedroom and 57 two‑bedroom homes are scheduled to be complete over the next two years after an agreement was made between Dún Laoghaire‑Rathdown County Council (DLRCC) and developer Winterbrook Ltd.
The project is part of the EU’s Competitive Dialogue process, a speedier bidding process, where land is procured first before the council and the developer can agree on the next technical and financial steps together.
“Emmet Gardens demonstrates how the council can use innovative delivery approaches, such as Competitive Dialogue, to unlock high‑quality housing on our own land in partnership with the private sector,” said Frank Curran, Chief Executive of DLRCC.
“This scheme will deliver a substantial number of affordable homes alongside social housing, supported by high‑quality public spaces and community amenities.
“Across the county, more than 1,000 housing units are currently progressing through various stages of the council’s project pipeline and building on the success of projects such as Emmet Gardens.”
Funded by the Department of Housing, the project will include a new public park, communal open spaces, play areas and other amenities including on‑site parking.
The council said that the site is located on Dundrum Road, “well-served” by public transport with a number of bus routes and the Green Line Luas nearby.
“The signing of contracts for Emmet Gardens is a significant milestone for DLRCC and for housing delivery in Dundrum,” said Cllr Jim Gildea, Cathaoirleach of the council.
"This development will provide much‑needed social and affordable homes on council‑owned land, in a strong public transport location, and will help to meet local housing need while supporting balanced and sustainable communities.
“This contract signing represents an important step in moving from planning to delivery, and I look forward to seeing Emmet Gardens take shape as a new residential community in Dundrum.”
Acquired through the Land Acquisition Fund – provided to local authorities through the state’s Housing Agency – the site will be arranged across three blocks ranging from two to six storeys in height.
"This government has set a target of building 300,000 new homes by 2030 – close collaboration at all levels of government and across both the public and private sector will be key in achieving these goals,” said Minister for Housing James Browne.
The council confirmed that construction for the homes is scheduled to begin this year with an aim to be completed by the end of 2028.