Minister for Housing Darragh O’Brien said he was delighted that a Dublin housing development which featured the first purpose-built Cost Rental homes in Ireland has won the Social Housing Development of the Year at the National Property Awards.
The ‘Woodside’ scheme at Enniskerry Road, Stepaside, which consists of 155 homes (50 cost rental and 105 social housing), was delivered by Respond and Tuath Approved Housing Bodies in partnership with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Dun Laoghaire Rathdown Council, the Housing Agency and the Housing Finance Agency.
‘Woodside’, built on public land in Stepaside, is a unique development, a mix of 1, 2 and 3 bedroom properties to be managed by Respond and Tuath Housing.
All of the 50 Cost Rental homes are 2-bedroom apartments.
The Cost Rental apartments will be let at a monthly rent of €1,200, a significant reduction when compared to market rents for 2-bedroom apartments in this location.
The rent charged to tenants will cover the cost of delivering, managing and maintaining these homes and will not be driven by market movements.
Minister O’Brien said that Cost Rental is a new form of secure, long-term rental tenure where homes are made available to middle-income earners at below open-market rates.
“The homes at ‘Woodside’ have rents of approximately 40% below open-market rates,” he said.
“Under Housing for All, the Government’s plan for housing, 18,000 Cost Rental homes will be provided between now and 2030.
“Woodside, and other developments like it currently underway, show the delivery of affordable housing is happening and it’s making a positive difference.
“Ensuring there is affordable housing to rent is a Government priority.
“Cost Rental housing addresses the affordability challenges faced by those on moderate incomes who wish to rent a home.
“This model of housing is a new departure in the delivery of housing in Ireland, providing a new type of housing tenure in addition to social housing, private renting and private purchase.
“It provides renters with a long-term security of tenure with a rent level significantly below open-market rates.
“The tenanting of the superb Woodside development is the outcome of close and constructive collaboration between Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, Respond, Tuath, the Housing Agency, the Housing Finance Agency and my own Department. I want to commend all involved in making these homes a reality for those who live in them now.
“When I was there earlier this month I was particularly impressed with how the site is located near to a wide range of amenities, public facilities, schools, health services, local community and sports groups.
“It was a well-designed, well laid out site in beautiful surroundings, and it is little wonder it picked up the award last night.”