The Land Development Agency (LDA) has started construction on the development of over 400 homes in Clongriffin in north Dublin.

Lord Mayor of Dublin Emma Blain, Taoiseach Micheál Martin, Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage James Browne and Chief Executive of the LDA John Coleman turned the sod on the new housing development.

The homes are being delivered as part of the initial phase of the planned Clongriffin Town/ Cluain Ghrífín development, which is the largest state housing project currently planned and will ultimately involve a new community of more than 2,000 homes in addition to new facilities, amenities, services and commercial premises.

The first 408 homes are being developed across two apartment blocks on land the LDA acquired in December 2023. Planning permission was already in place for these blocks on the Clongriffin Town land when it was purchased by the LDA.

The Agency subsequently sought and was given approval for a revised planning application involving a broadly identical development, but taking new objectives and policies outlined in the Dublin City Development Plan 2022-2028 into account.

As part of the initial development phase, the LDA has appointed Walls Construction to build the 408 high-quality, A-rated one, two and three-bed apartments in two blocks ranging in height from three to seven storeys.

Landscaped courtyard gardens, a roof terrace, a 1,433 square metre public park and a creche will also be delivered, while community and cultural spaces will be provided on the ground floors of both apartment blocks. A new street called Market Street will be fully pedestrianised and has been designed to host an outdoor market and community events.

All of the apartments will be made available as cost rental and social homes, with the first units due to be delivered in early 2027.

Clongriffin is located approximately 9km to the northeast of Dublin City Centre adjacent to Dublin City Council’s boundary with Fingal County Council. It lies between Dublin Airport and the M1/M50 and is located about 2km inland from Baldoyle Bay. In addition to the nearby train station, the development is served by a 24-hour bus route.

Lord Mayor of Dublin Emma Blain said: “Today marks the beginning of a wonderful regeneration project in North Dublin.  This site has lain idle for many years and I’m delighted that the Land Development Agency identified the potential in Clongriffin and is now progressing ambitious plans for much needed affordable homes in an emerging town with great transport links.  Dublin City Council will work closely the LDA to ensure the creation of a thriving and sustainable community for current and future residents.”

Taoiseach Micheál Martin said: “I am delighted to be in Clongriffin to see first-hand another large scale LDA development break ground. Today marks the first step in the process of developing underutilised land into a vibrant and active new community. High quality affordable homes will be delivered in tandem with a creche, new park and commercial space to complement the existing neighbourhood. This is yet another example of the Government’s ongoing commitment to meet the country’s housing needs.”

James Browne, Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage added: “It’s fantastic to turn the sod on this new housing development and to visit a site that has the potential to deliver a new town and over 2,000 affordable and social homes. The LDA is the State’s affordable housing delivery body and the Government, through Housing for All, has ensured it has the necessary resources to fulfil its remit and to deliver at scale. This development signals the start of a much larger project, which will transform the Clongriffin/Baldoyle area, and it is one of a number significant projects that the LDA is undertaking across the country to deliver the right homes in the right places.”

John Coleman, Chief Executive of the Land Development Agency concluded: “This is a major development for the LDA and the provision of State-owned affordable housing. This site is superbly located and has the potential to deliver not just new homes, but a new community and a new town. When we purchased this land in late 2023 it had existing planning permission for new homes, but no development was taking place. Just over a year later and we have construction underway. While phase one is being completed, we will continue to advance plans for the surrounding areas to deliver much-needed homes and community services and amenities. I would like to thank the Taoiseach and Minister Browne for joining us to turn the sod and for the Government’s ongoing support for the LDA’s work.”

Follow Irish building magazine on LinkedIn for the latest news and updates.