Department of Housing yet to receive funding for social housing development in Bray
The Wicklow PeopleThe Department of Housing has yet to receive a funding application for the construction of 18 social housing units at Kilbride Lodge in Bray. The site is located at the junction of Killarney Road and Ballywaltrim Road in the town.
The project was awarded to Respond Housing, who have also been tasked with managing the properties and allocating them to individuals and families from the council's housing list.
Planning permission for the development has been in place since 2021. Sinn Fein Councillors in Wicklow defied party policy and voted against the proposed development. The plans received around 30 objections from locals, which included concerns about the removal of a 120 year old tree.
The development is for an apartment block of 18 units that will consist of a 4-storey development with a mix of 4 one bed apartments, 14 two bed apartments.
Gated vehicular access and secure pedestrian access is provided to carpark spaces, communal stores, bin stores and bicycle storage areas at ground floor.
There will also be the provision of 19 car parking spaces including 4 on the street.
A preliminary report on the nature, size and location of the proposed development found there is little likelihood of significant effects on the environment, meaning there is no need for an environmental impact assessment report to be carried out.
Despite the opposition, the development was voted through. Sinn Fein TD in Wicklow John Brady and his party colleague and spokesperson on housing Eoin Ó Broin both criticised councillors at the time for going against party policy in supporting social housing developments. Sinn Fein councillors said they had objected to delay the project to allow for further engagement between residents the and local authority planning officials.
Reports confirmed in mid-2023 that title issues on the land had been resolved and the next steps were being taken. At that stage tenders were in the process of being prepared.
However, following a parliamentary question from Wicklow TD John Brady in late 2025, Housing Minister James Browne indicated there have been delays in commencing construction works.
Minister Browne said the Government is “fully committed to working with all stakeholders to deliver social homes at scale and to continue accelerating social housing supply.”
“My Department will engage with Wicklow County Council on any applications they submit for social housing developments.” he added.