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Tánaiste and Minister for Housing turn sod on €90m development delivering 635 new social and starter purchase homes
The Tánaiste and Minister for Finance, Simon Harris TD, the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne TD, together with the Mayor of South Dublin County Council, Cllr Pamela Kearns, today marked the official start of construction on a major new social and affordable housing development in Tallaght, South County Dublin.
The Foothills, Killinarden project will deliver 635 new homes, including 372 Starter Homes available for purchase at a minimum 15% below local market value, supported by €37.2 million in Government funding through the Affordable Housing Fund. In addition, 125 new social homes will be provided, backed by almost €53 million in funding from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, with further support from the Housing Finance Agency. The remainder of the homes will be for private sale.
This combined €90 million State investment reflects the Government’s commitment to accelerating the delivery of high‑quality, mixed‑tenure housing and meeting the people’s diverse housing needs.
Mayor Kearns welcomed the local boost to housing, saying:
“Today’s sod turning for Foothills, Killinarden is a real step forward for the area. This new neighbourhood will deliver 635 new social, affordable and private homes which will allow more people to put down roots in an area that is well established and close to schools and local services. This housing project has been carefully planned around community from day one — with a public park, sports pitches, community centre, and safe walking and cycling routes. We are proud to support a development that will help build a strong, connected community at the foot of the Dublin Mountains for years to come.”
Tánaiste, Simon Harris added:
“This development represents over €90 million in Government-backed investment, ensuring that families can access high‑quality, homes at prices they can afford. Through the Starter Homes scheme, 372 households will have the opportunity to purchase a new home at a significantly reduced cost, while 125 new social homes will provide secure, long‑term housing for those who need it most.
“Foothills, Killinarden shows what strong partnership can achieve — high quality homes, new amenities, and a sustainable neighbourhood built for the future. Housing remains one of our greatest challenges, and developments like this demonstrate the progress being made under Delivering Homes, Building Communities 2025–2030.
“I want to thank everyone involved, and I look forward to seeing these homes completed and thriving.”
Minster Browne emphasised:
“This development is about more than bricks and mortar, it is about building sustainable, well-connected neighbourhoods with the services, amenities, and green spaces that allow communities to thrive.
“Foothills, Killinarden shows what can be achieved when Government, local authorities, and delivery partners work together with ambition and urgency.
“The Government’s Starter Homes Programme continues to scale up nationwide, with the Land Development Agency, local authorities, and delivery partners expanding the pipeline of affordable homes, and I am determined that this continues.”
Foothills, Killinarden will provide a mix of 2-, 3-, and 4-bedroom homes, designed to the highest standards of energy efficiency and long-term sustainability. The development’s location offers excellent connectivity, situated minutes from Dublin Bus routes, LUAS stops, Tallaght Village, and a wide range of schools, retail, and recreational amenities.
Beyond housing, the project will deliver extensive community benefits, including over 26 hectares of open space and amenities, a new community facility, an additional crèche and new facilities for the local soccer club, including new all-weather pitches.
It is being delivered in conjunction with South Dublin County Council together with D/RES Properties, Sisk and Arden.
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