More than 1,100 new homes are set to transform Skerries and Balbriggan as work begins on two major developments promising affordable housing, new roads and vital community facilities.
In Skerries, the Priory Fields development (formerly Hacketstown) will deliver 345 homes made up of 39 houses and 306 apartments and duplexes.
The mix will include 101 social homes, 117 cost rental homes and 127 affordable purchase homes.
The low-rise scheme will also provide a crèche, community space and new pedestrian and cycle routes. The first phase of Priory Fields will see 176 homes completed alongside road and junction upgrades to support the new community.
In Balbriggan, work is starting on a 259-home scheme that includes 207 affordable purchase homes and 52 social homes.
Phase 1 will also deliver the new Castlelands link road, connecting Hamilton Road and the R127. The project is expected to be completed by the end of 2027.
Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Tom O’Leary, said both developments represented a major step forward for the county.
“The homes will provide a great opportunity for families to make their home within the wonderful communities of Balbriggan and Skerries. Community infrastructure is a key part of these developments and the €10m Balbriggan Swimming Pool Project will complement these new homes,” he said.
Chief Executive of Fingal County Council, AnnMarie Farrelly, said the projects showed the importance of collaboration.
“It’s hugely exciting to see work underway on two excellent affordable housing projects in Fingal.
“The quality and mixed tenure of these developments is exactly what is needed in both communities.
“I would like to thank and congratulate all partners on their dedication which has brought the projects to this important stage.”
The Land Development Agency, which is leading the projects in partnership with Fingal County Council and construction partners Ballymore and Lydon, said the works marked a milestone in its affordable housing programme.
Chief Executive John Coleman described them as “significant developments” that reflected the commitment of all partners involved.
Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne, said the Government’s focus is to speed up delivery.
“This Government’s top priority is to get homes built faster for people who need them. I want people to be able to access suitable houses in which they can grow up and grow old as part of a community. These projects are a further sign of Government progress to deliver homes for people across the country.”
Together, the Skerries and Balbriggan schemes will provide more than 1,160 homes over the coming years, representing one of the largest housing drives in north Fingal in recent memory.