€20.4m funding approved for Tallaght and Clondalkin Rapid Build projects

By Maurice Garvey

MINISTER for Housing Simon Coveney has approved funding of €20.4 million for the delivery of two Rapid Build projects in South Dublin County.

The projects in Firhouse and Clondalkin are scheduled to be completed by the end of 2018.

Up to 59 homes are set to be delivered at St Cuthbert’s Park, Clondalkin, at a cost of €14.5 million, and 24 homes are to be delivered at Killininny Road, Firhouse, at a cost of €5.9 million.

“I have approved two projects estimated to cost €20.4million which will deliver 83 homes for homeless families,” said Minister Coveney.

“These homes will take families out of commercial hotels and provide them with a home until they move to permanent social housing.”

Under Pillar 1 of the Action Plan for Rebuilding Ireland programme, there is a government commitment to accelerate the delivery of rapid build homes and provide 1,500 homes by the end of 2018.

At the end of 2016, a total of 350 rapid build homes were advancing through various stages of delivery, including construction, with 22 rapid build homes delivered and occupied in Ballymun. 

A further 650 rapid build homes will be advanced in 2017, with another 500 units to be delivered in 2018.

The establishment of a framework of rapid build contractors by the Office of Government Procurement, allows local authorities across the country to run quicker procurement competitions and advance rapid build projects.

“My Department continues to work closely with all local authorities in relation to increasing and accelerating the delivery of a range of social housing programmes and supports, including rapid build homes,” said Minister Coveney.