Minister visits a development site for supported living in Dundalk before officially opening a new cost rental housing development in Drogheda.
Minister for Housing, Local Government, and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien TD, today visited two new housing developments in County Louth, making stops in Dundalk and Drogheda. His first destination was the Coulter Close development site in Dundalk, where he viewed a 7-home development designed to provide long-term accommodation tailored to individuals with specific needs. This supportive living project is a collaboration between Tuath Housing, Louth County Council, HSE, St. John of God Northeast Services, and Inclusion Louth, a local charity supporting families dealing with various intellectual disabilities. The main contractor for this Tuath Direct-Build initiative is CJ Callan Construction Ltd, with funding facilitated through the Capital Assistance Scheme via the Department of Housing.
Following this, Minister O’Brien proceeded to officially unveil the Ferrard Court cost rental development in Drogheda. This brand-new residential scheme, a partnership between Tuath, Louth County Council, the Department of Housing, Local Government, and Heritage, and The Housing Agency, comprises 34 cost rental homes. The funding for Ferrard Court is a combination of the Capital Advanced Leasing Facility (CALF) from the Department and private finance through the Housing Finance Agency (HFA). The 34-A rated apartments are part of a 70-home development built by CFS Homes Ltd. Ferrard Court represents the inaugural delivery of cost rental homes in County Louth under this program, offering secure, affordable housing with rental prices nearly 30% below comparable properties in the area.
Tuath’s collaboration with Louth County Council dates back to 2007, with the delivery of their first homes in Ardee. Since then, the partnership has thrived, resulting in over 640 homes delivered throughout the county. Nationally, Tuath has provided more than 11,000 homes in every local authority area, accommodating approximately 30,000 people. As a leading provider of cost rental housing in Ireland, Tuath has delivered over 300 cost rental homes since April 2022.
Minister for Housing, Darragh O’Brien noted, “It’s great to see Co. Louth’s first affordable cost rental homes open. The first of many I hope. Cost rental is beginning to take hold across the country with safe and secure long-term tenancies at rates which are approximately 25% less than local market rates. Turning the sod on the new assisted living homes is a particular joy and I look forward to seeing these delivered. I want to thank Tuath for their continued efforts in delivering top quality homes, they are key partners in our Housing for All plan.”
Prof. Paddy Gray commented,“I would like to pay special thanks to Minister O’Brien for taking the time to witness the remarkable work being undertaken in Louth. I would also like to thank all the elected councilors and staff of Louth County Council for their continued partnership and support. Tuath are proud to be part of this milestone delivery for the county with the provision of Louth’s first-ever cost rental homes, while we look forward to the completion of the Coulter Close development in Dundalk, designed to offer specialised accommodation and a supportive, safe and secure place to live for its future residents.”
Barry O’Leary, CEO of the Housing Finance Agency stated “I would like to congratulate Tuath Housing on the delivery of these 34 new cost rental homes in Drogheda. Cost rental is an important tenure of affordable accommodation that provides long-term, secure housing for residents and the HFA remains committed to working closely with Approved Housing Bodies to support the continued delivery of homes like these.”
Director of Housing at Louth County Council, Ger Murphy said“Louth County Council is delighted that the first cost rental in the the County has been delivered by Tuath, an approved housing body that has a longstanding working partnership with the Council. We look forward to the future delivery of even more homes, including the Coulter Close development in Dundalk, remaining steadfast in our commitment to meeting the varying housing needs of the people of Louth.”
About Tuath Housing:
Tuath Housing is a not-for-profit approved housing body, providing long-term, safe, quality housing. The organisation currently has over 10,700 homes under management catering for over 28,000 people and are active in every county throughout Ireland.
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