AN TÁNAISTE AND MINISTER FOR HOUSING MARK DELIVERY OF 56 NEW SOCIAL HOMES IN WICKLOW
Co-operative Housing Ireland, alongside the Cathaoirleach of Wicklow County Council, Cllr Melanie Corrigan, An Tánaiste and Minister for Finance, Simon Harris TD, and Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne TD, today marked the delivery of 56 new social homes at Altidore Gardens in Newtownmountkennedy, Co. Wicklow.
This latest development brings the number of homes delivered by Co-operative Housing Ireland in Wicklow to over 460, with a further 122 homes expected in 2026. Nationally, the organisation supports nearly 18,000 people and continues to deliver homes at scale, with up to 1,000 homes expected this year.
The homes located at Altidore Gardens comprise high-quality, energy-efficient homes for individuals and families, including eight homes which are universally designed to support independent living for people of all abilities.
Tánaiste and Minister for Finance, Simon Harris TD, said:
“This development in Altidore Gardens delivers 56 new homes, a mix of two- and three-bedroom apartments, providing high-quality, secure social housing for families and individuals in this community.
“Developments like this are not just about buildings — they are about people, about communities, and about giving people security, stability and a place to call home.
“This is a fantastic addition to the community in North County Wicklow and I want to congratulate Co-operative Housing Ireland and Wicklow County Council for working together to deliver this project.”
Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne TD said:
“This Government is making an unprecedented investment in delivering new-build social housing, facilitating high‑quality developments like this one in Newtownmountkennedy.
“Last year alone, more than 9,000 new social homes were completed, the highest annual figure since the State was founded. My priority now is to maintain and grow this momentum, scaling up delivery so that even more people can access secure, high‑quality homes.
“Because behind these numbers are real people like Josephine and all those here in Altidore Gardens for whom a new home brings stability, security and a permanent place to call their own.”
Kieron Brennan, CEO of Co-operative Housing Ireland, said:
“Co-operative Housing Ireland currently provides secure housing to nearly 18,000 people across 24 counties in partnership with 31 local authorities across Ireland.
The delivery today of these 56 homes at Altidore Gardens marks a crucial step in providing high-quality, secure housing for individuals and families in Newtownmountkennedy. We are continuing to deliver homes both locally and nationally with up to 1,000 homes expected nationally this year.
At Altidore Gardens, eight homes are universally designed to support independent living. This is reflects our approach to housing delivery – creating inclusive, sustainable communities. The development will be home to approximately 200 residents, including 95 children.
All homes achieve an A2 Building Energy Rating (BER), helping to reduce energy costs for Member Tenants at a time when many households are facing significant cost-of-living pressures.
We remain committed to working with our partners to deliver further homes across Wicklow and beyond, building on this progress and contributing to long-term housing solutions in areas where demand remains high.”
Member Tenant, Josephine McDonald said:
“Having a home that is designed for my needs means I can live independently and with confidence. It gives me comfort, security and it feels like my home – it is life-changing.”
The development comprises two apartment blocks, delivering 32 two-bedroom and 24 three-bedroom homes, located at 1–28 Alderway and 1–28 Aldergreen within the Altidore Gardens development, and designed to meet a range of housing needs, including much-needed accommodation for families.
The delivery of these homes comes amid continued pressure in North Wicklow, where strong commuter demand and rising private housing costs have contributed to affordability challenges for many households. This development represents an important step in providing long-term, secure housing in a high-demand area.
Altidore Gardens forms part of the planned residential growth of Newtownmountkennedy, supporting sustainable density within an established town with access to services, amenities, and transport links.
Co-operative Housing Ireland continues to play a key role in delivering social housing across Ireland, with a focus on creating secure homes and long-term, thriving communities.
______________________________________________________________________________________
Michael McDonnell Managing Editor of Irish Construction Industry Magazine & Plan Magazine
Email: michael@irishconstruction.com WWW.MCDMEDIA.IE