CONSTRUCTION has begun on two new housing developments in north Co. Dublin, which will deliver more than 1,000 affordable homes.
The developments, announced by the Land Development Agency (LDA), will collectively deliver 1,162 new homes and breathe new life into two strong communities in the area.
Once completed, the affordable homes will be made available to eligible buyers through the Local Authority.
"These are significant developments for the LDA and mark a major delivery milestone in the provision of affordable housing," said John Coleman, Chief Executive of the LDA, the State's affordable housing delivery body.
Plans
The Hampton Demesne development, formerly Castlelands in Balbriggan, is being built by Ballymore.
It will comprise 817 affordable purchase, cost rental and social homes, including one-bed, two-bed and three-bed apartments as well as two-bed, three-bed and four-bed houses and three-bed duplexes.
Phase 1 will include the new Castlelands link road, which will connect Hamilton Road and the R127.
The development will feature a range of amenities including a childcare facility, outdoor play area and a local neighbourhood retail centre.
There will also be a new park with recreational amenities for all age groups, including playgrounds, multi-use games areas, basketball courts, outdoor gym and skateboard plaza.
The two developments will provide 1,162 new affordable homes (Images; Land development Agency)The new link road 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, formerly Hacketstown, Skerries, will deliver 345 affordable homes built by Lydon, including 101 social, 117 cost rental and 127 affordable purchase homes.
The first phase of 176 homes consists of one-bed, two-bed 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.
It will be located a 10-minute walk from Skerries train station and a short distance from Skerries town centre.
New homes 'a top priority'
"These sites are superbly located and will enhance the existing communities in Balbriggan and Skerries," added Mr Coleman.
"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."
Housing Minister James Browne, who turned the sod on both sites, added: "This government's top priority is to get homes built faster for people who need them.
"I want people to be access suitable houses in which they can grow up and grow old as part of a community."
See More: Dublin, Land Development Agency
