Families have been handed the keys to new homes following the delivery of a new social housing development by Limerick City and County Council. Funded by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage through the Social Housing Investment Programme (SHIP), the new homes are located on Clare Street, on a prominent corner site at the Dublin Road entrance to the city.
The development transforms what had been an underutilised and vacant space into a high-quality residential scheme that will now provide homes for seven families. The project was approved by Councillors following consideration under the statutory Part 8 planning process.
In addition to the residential units themselves, the project included extensive associated works such as hard landscaping, adjustments to existing footpaths, boundary treatments, foul and storm sewer diversions, and power line diversions.
It represents an investment of circa €2.5 million in the area.
The project consists of:
- 3 two-bedroom houses
- 2 one-bedroom apartments
- 1 two-bedroom apartment
- 1 three-bedroom apartment
The development has been designed to a high standard and includes private open spaces, external bin storage, public lighting, and both hard and soft landscaping, all of which contribute positively to the surrounding streetscape and wider urban environment.
Mayor of Limerick, John Moran said:
“While modest in scale, these seven new homes on Clare Street represent another important step in building confidence in our work to increase levels of housing delivery in Limerick. Every project matters, particularly to the individuals and families that will call these houses home. Importantly, this project brings additional life back into the city centre, offering non car-dependent living which helps with affordability challenges. That said, we acknowledge the scale of the housing challenge still remains very significant. Our focus therefore remains on accelerating delivery across Limerick as fast as we can given the constraints under which we operate.”
Minister of State for Older People and Housing, Kieran O’Donnell TD said:
“These new houses represent more than bricks and mortar, they represent security, stability and a fresh start for the families and residents who will call them home. The Government is committed to investing in social housing across Limerick City and County and will continue to deliver. I wish to thank Limerick City and County Council, and all parties involved in bringing this housing development to fruition.”
Príomh Chomhairleoir, Cllr Catherine Slattery commented:
“I welcome the delivery of these new homes, particularly for families with children who will now have the security of a permanent home. Every new home delivered is important at a time when there is such a critical need for housing. I also welcome the transformation of what had been a vacant and underused site into a modern residential development that will contribute positively to the wider area.”
Director of Service, Housing at Limerick City and County Council, Vincent Murray commented:
“This development has brought new life to what was a vacant site at a key entrance to the city, while most importantly providing much-needed homes for seven families. The completion of this project reflects the Council’s continued commitment to delivering social housing in sustainable and well-designed developments that enhance local communities and improve quality of life for residents.”
The works were carried out by main contractor Jada Projects Limited (Jada Construction) on behalf of Limerick City and County Council.
The Clare Street development is part of Limerick City and County Council’s initiative to revitalise brownfield urban sites for community housing. It represents another positive addition to the local housing stock and demonstrates the Council’s ongoing commitment to providing safe, modern, and energy-efficient homes for individuals and families in need of housing support.