Sod turned on 62 new affordable and social homes in Rush

The first sod has been turned on a new development in Rush which will see the delivery of 62 new affordable and social homes.

The Hayestown development will comprise of a mix of two and three-bedroom properties and is being led by Fingal County Council.

Joining Mayor of Fingal, councillor Howard Mahony for the ground breaking ceremony was the Minister for Housing, Darragh O’Brien TD, the chief executive of Fingal County Council, AnnMarie Farrelly and local councillors.

Once completed, there will be 38 three-bedroom houses, 10 two-bedroom houses, seven three-bedroom duplexes and seven two-bedroom apartments on offer.

The mixed tenure Hayestown development will be made up of 80 percent affordable housing and 20 percent social housing.

To allow for less energy demand on the power grid, the homes will be built to ensure high energy performance standards are met, a spokesperson for Fingal County Council said.

“That will incorporate technologies such as ground source heat pumps that will help reduce energy bills.

“The development will also make the most of its natural surrounds by incorporating a riparian zone around a stream, with trees featuring to help form a beautiful open public space.”

Mayor of Fingal, councillor Howard Mahony said that “the availability of social and affordable housing can have a significant impact on people’s lives, which is why Fingal is committed to continuing the construction of properties to help meet ever growing demand.

“In doing so, we want to help to improve living standards, support sustainable communities and ensure the delivery of more new homes right across the county.”

Minister O’Brien said he was “encouraged to see exciting developments like this underway, thanks in large part to the Affordable Housing Fund.

“I look forward to watching closely as the site takes shape and the first residents begin moving into their new homes next year.”

The development was partially funded under the Affordable Housing Fund (AHF) provided by the Government.

The AHF is a subsidy which is available to local authorities to help with housing development costs.

It enables local authorities to make affordable homes available to purchase or rent at prices and rents below market rates.

Fingal County Council’s Director of Housing and Community Development, Robert Burns, said: “Having a roof over your head is a basic human need and we know that having access to safe, secure, and affordable housing can have a positive impact on individuals, families, and communities.

“Mixed tenure developments like this give an opportunity for first-time buyers to get on the property ladder in a more cost-effective way, as well as providing stable and affordable rental properties for low-income households.”

The homes available at the new development will be advertised on the Council’s website in the coming months, with construction expected to be completed in the first half of 2024.