Contracts Signed for 129 New Social and Affordable Homes at Emmet Gardens, Dundrum

Dún Laoghaire‑Rathdown County Council has confirmed the signing of contracts with Winterbrook Ltd. for the delivery of 129 new social and affordable homes on Council‑owned land in Dundrum. The project represents a significant milestone in the Council’s housing delivery programme and is one of many schemes being advanced through the Competitive Dialogue process, which enables the Council to deliver high‑quality housing on its own land in partnership with key providers. Emmet Gardens is one of many projects being progressed through the EU Competitive Dialogue procurement programme, with over 1,000 homes currently advancing through various stages of the Council’s housing delivery pipeline. 

The development was approved by the Elected Members through the Part 8 process in 2025 and will deliver 129 social and affordable homes, with a strong emphasis on affordable housing, arranged across three blocks ranging from two to six storeys in height. The scheme comprises 72 one‑bedroom and 57 two‑bedroom homes, designed to meet the needs of a diverse range of households and combine practical layouts with contemporary design to support the creation of a sustainable and welcoming community.

The project will also deliver a new public park, along with communal open spaces, play areas and supporting facilities, as well as on‑site parking for both cars and bicycles. Located on Dundrum Road, the site is well served by public transport, with a number of bus routes nearby and the Green Line Luas within walking distance.

The Emmet Gardens project is funded by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, including the Social Housing Capital Investment Programme, reinforcing the Government’s commitment to sustainable housing delivery. The site was acquired through the Land Acquisition Fund, provided by the Housing Agency, enabling the Council to advance development on its own land in a strategic location. The Affordable Housing Fund is also contributing to the delivery of affordable purchase homes within the scheme, helping to provide high-quality, energy efficient housing at accessible prices.

This contract represents the second agreement between the Council and Winterbrook Ltd. Following the signing of an earlier contract in late 2025, construction on that development is now underway, demonstrating the continued and productive partnership between the Council and Winterbrook Ltd. in delivering much‑needed new homes across the county.

Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council has actively engaged with developers, landowners and builders to identify innovative housing solutions through the Competitive Dialogue approach. Building on the success of projects such as Emmet Gardens, the Council intends to progress a further call under the Competitive Dialogue programme later in 2026, supporting the continued delivery of social and affordable housing across the county. 

Speaking at the contract signing, Cllr Jim Gildea, Cathaoirleach of Dún Laoghaire‑Rathdown County Council, said:

“The signing of contracts for Emmet Gardens is a significant milestone for Dún Laoghaire‑Rathdown County Council and for housing delivery in Dundrum. This development will provide much‑needed social and affordable homes on Council‑owned land, in a strong public transport location, and will help to meet local housing need while supporting balanced and sustainable communities.

I want to acknowledge the work of the Elected Members and Housing staff in progressing this project through the Part 8 and Competitive Dialogue processes. This contract signing represents an important step in moving from planning to delivery, and I look forward to seeing Emmet Gardens take shape as a new residential community in Dundrum.”

Frank Curran, Chief Executive of Dún Laoghaire‑Rathdown County Council, added:

“Emmet Gardens demonstrates how the Council can use innovative delivery approaches, such as Competitive Dialogue, to unlock high‑quality housing on our own land in partnership with the private sector. This scheme will deliver a substantial number of affordable homes alongside social housing, supported by high‑quality public spaces and community amenities. 

Across the county, more than 1,000 housing units are currently progressing through various stages of the Council’s project pipeline and building on the success of projects such as Emmet Gardens, we intend to progress a further Competitive Dialogue call later in 2026 to support the continued delivery of social and affordable housing.”