Unique housing scheme paves the way forward

A NEW housing co-operative began the long-awaited construction of Ireland’s only affordable housing development in Poppintree last month.

Ó Cualann Cohousing Alliance broke ground on the new scheme of 49 units, located beside the 22 modular homes at Baile na Laochra.

The idea for a Co-Op housing scheme on the land dates back to 2002 when members who wanted to establish a local Irish speaking community in the area paid deposits of €5,000 for homes. 

Planning permission for 40 homes was obtained in 2007 but the project stagnated before been taken over by O’Cualann Co-Housing Alliance.

Plans received another setback last year with the announcement that modular homes were to be built on the site but Ó Cualann Co-Housing Alliance worked with Dublin City Council officials to ensure the project went ahead.

The development of 49 units, including, two, three and four bedroom houses, has been allocated to eligible members of Ó Cualann, most of whom live or work in the Dublin North West area.

The houses are aimed at those whose incomes range from €36,000-€80,000 and are priced between €140,000, for a two-bedroom terraced house and €219,000 for a four-bedroom detached.

There is a significant waiting list for similar homes and CEO of Ó Cualann Cohousing Alliance, Hugh Brennan, believes co-ops are very much part of the solution to the housing crisis.

“There is clearly a need for social housing – but we also need to make homes available to families and couples who earn a decent living, but cannot afford to pay the sort of prices currently being asked for homes in Dublin,” he said.

“This type of affordable housing scheme can be replicated across the country and shows when the council, banks and building co-operatives – like ourselves – work together, we can build communities, not just houses, and make the dream of a home a reality for families.”

The families who have been allocated houses in the development have signed a common charter that binds them to collectively defined community values.

These include a desire to live in a community where people get to know their neighbours before they move in, where they look out for each other and where they feel safe and secure.

It is also designed to be a community where homeowners are not crippled by mortgages, where the houses are built to best international standards and energy bills are low.

Local councillor Noeleen Reilly (SF) was at the sod-turning ceremony and said she was delighted that construction has commenced.

“I live down the road and it is great to see the construction of new homes taking place in the neighbourhood,” she added.

“O’Cualann Cohousing Alliance has been instrumental in making this happen along with the members.

“The community has been trying to get this off the ground for over ten years, and finally this year Dublin City Council came on board.

“There is a large number of land banks in Ballymun all zoned for housing, and now that Poppintree has started we need to look at other areas to replicate this model and create homes for people.”