Biggest plan for Affordable Housing in Clongriffin kicks in
In a groundbreaking move, the Land Development Agency (LDA) has sealed a €44 million deal to acquire lands in Clongriffin, north Dublin. The purchase, which includes Project Capital North and Barina, marks a significant milestone in the quest to address Ireland’s housing crisis. It will eventually resolve the crisis and provide for the Affordable Housing in Clongriffin. With existing planning permission for 1,800 homes, this strategic acquisition propels the LDA into the spotlight, positioning it as a major player in the development of affordable and social housing.
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The Clongriffin Development
The combined 13.2 hectares of Project Capital North and Barina, located next to Clongriffin train station, offer a prime location between Dublin Airport and the M1/M50, only 2km from Baldoyle Bay. Project Capital North, with planning permission for 1,823 housing units and commercial developments, and the adjoining Barina site, capable of accommodating up to 500 homes, present a unique opportunity for the creation of a vibrant and well-connected community.
State’s Largest Housing Project in Decades:
The LDA’s CEO, John Coleman, emphasizes the historic nature of this venture, stating that it will be the most significant State housing project in decades. The ambitious goal is to deliver over 2,300 affordable and social homes, including cost rental and affordable purchase options, making a substantial impact on addressing the housing shortage.
Strategic Purchase and Development Plans:
The upfront financial cost of approximately €19,000 per home is considered low in comparison to the overall delivery cost, demonstrating the LDA’s commitment to affordable housing. Coleman affirms the agency’s confidence in the site’s potential to create a thriving community, absorbing the cost while delivering on the mission to provide affordable and social housing.
The Clongriffin development aligns with the LDA and government’s Project Tosaigh initiative, where the agency intervenes in stalled private developments, making homes available under affordable purchase or cost rental schemes. This proactive approach is a key component of the LDA’s strategy to address the housing crisis by utilizing both state-owned and privately owned sites.
Future Prospects for Affordable Housing in Clongriffin
The LDA plans to prioritize the development of two apartment blocks on the Project Capital North site, aiming to fast-track the delivery of over 400 homes. These initial steps include appointing a contractor, with construction anticipated to commence in September 2024, and the first homes expected to be delivered by 2026. With a comprehensive delivery pipeline of over 8,800 homes, the LDA is poised to become one of the country’s largest homebuilders, contributing not just homes but also vibrant and sustainable new communities.
Housing Minister Darragh O’Brien welcomes the LDA’s strategic move, emphasizing its role as the State’s affordable housing delivery body. The Minister acknowledges the superb location of the Clongriffin site and the exciting prospect of it becoming the largest State housing project in decades. By unlocking the land’s potential, the LDA ensures the delivery of the right type of housing, community facilities, and amenities, aligning with the government’s Housing for All initiative.
The LDA’s €44 million deal for Clongriffin lands signals a turning point in Ireland’s approach to affordable and social housing. With ambitious plans, strategic foresight, and government support, this historic project not only provide an affordable housing in Clongriffint but also lays the foundation for sustainable and inclusive communities. As construction begins, all eyes are on Clongriffin, anticipating the realization of a new era in affordable housing.
