Construction begins on 95 social homes in north Dublin
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Construction commenced this week in Cabra for Focus Housing Association's housing development at Blackbird Park.
The project will see 95 A2-rated social homes delivered at the 2.03-hectare site on Dominican Sisters lands off Ratoath Road. The Dominican sisters gifted the land to Focus Housing Association will be delivered in collaboration with Dublin City Council, Department of Housing, Local Government & Heritage and the Housing Finance Agency.
The 95 A2-Rated social homes will comprise of 14 two-bedroom apartments, 21 two-bedroom apartments, 13 two-bed duplex, 13 three-bed duplex and one four-bed duplex dwellings across five three-storey blocks.
The development will also include two community rooms for future tenant use and considerable public open space of over 7,300m², including a public green area and children's play space.
Speaking at the sod-turning ceremony, Pat Dennigan, CEO of Focus Ireland, said: 'Focus Housing Association is honoured today to deliver Blackbird Park in due course. This represents our largest housing scheme to date, and, I'm privileged to say developed and designed by Focus Housing Association with support and guidance from ABK Architect's, and A2 Architects and JFOC Architects.
"These energy-efficient, sustainable, and high-quality homes will be provided to families and individuals most in need and is only possible because of the generous donation of land received from the Dominican Sisters, Cabra to Focus Housing Association.
"This year, marks Focus Ireland 40th Anniversary, however, we don't see it as something to celebrate when so many people are affected by the current housing situation and upward challenges of homelessness in our society. Therefore, developments like Blackbird Park are the type of scheme helping us meet our new build social housing delivery targets and allowing us to strengthen social cohesion and grow community life for long-term homeless families and individuals struggling to find a place to call home."
Speaking at the sod-turning at Blackbird Park Minister for Housing, James Browne said, 'I'm delighted to be here today in the constituency of Dublin Central to turn the sod at this important housing scheme which showcases the positive impact of environmental regeneration can have on our housing situation.
"As we work towards addressing the challenges, to resolving and increase the supply of housing, all forms of housing an achieving the targets outlined under a new Housing for All plan, developments such as The Blackbird Park site in Ratoath Road, Cabra will alleviate some of the pressure on the housing market and provide quality and sustainable homes for families, young people and the wider community through CALF, HFA funds.
"I want to commend Focus Housing Association and Focus Ireland, who, working with the State – at local authority level with Dublin City Council, with the Housing Finance Agency and with my own Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, have been able to get this development over the line. Partnership and cooperation with approved housing bodies (AHBs), such as Focus Housing Association, is vital as we improve delivery speed and work to meet new Housing for All targets.'
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