Contracts Signed for 205 New Social Homes at Grand Parade Place, Cherrywood

Dún Laoghaire‑Rathdown County Council confirms the signing of contracts with Evara for the delivery of 205 new social homes on Council‑owned land in Cherrywood. This marks a major milestone in one of several projects progressing through the innovative Competitive Dialogue process, which enables the Council to deliver high‑quality housing in collaboration with key partners. The project builds on an earlier permitted scheme, with an updated design that makes better use of the site and delivers more homes for the community, while also aligning with the wider vision for Cherrywood as a sustainable and growing neighbourhood.

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

“The signing of these contracts represents an important step forward in addressing housing need across our county. This development will deliver high‑quality, well‑designed social homes in a strategic location, close to public transport and essential services. Grand Parade Place demonstrates how innovative procurement approaches, such as the Competitive Dialogue process, can help maximise the use of public land and deliver real benefits for our communities.”

The development will deliver 205 modern homes, comprising 117 two‑bedroom, 75 one‑bedroom and 13 studio apartments, offering a mix that responds to a broad range of housing needs. The scheme, located in Cherrywood, has been designed to foster a healthy and well‑connected community, with safe pedestrian and cycle routes throughout the area. Residents will benefit from strong transport links, with the Luas Green Line nearby and easy access to the N11 and M50.

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

“This project highlights the Council’s commitment to delivering sustainable and affordable homes through strong partnership working. By refining the original scheme through the Competitive Dialogue process, we have been able to significantly increase the number of homes delivered on this site, while maintaining high design and environmental standards. Developments such as Grand Parade Place are central to meeting housing demand and supporting the creation of connected, liveable neighbourhoods.”

Dún Laoghaire‑Rathdown County Council has worked closely with developers and landowners through the Competitive Dialogue process to bring forward practical and deliverable housing solutions. An earlier planning permission for 146 homes was granted for the site in 2022. Through the Competitive Dialogue process, the design was refined to improve efficiency, increasing the number of homes delivered on the site to 205. Building on the success of projects such as Grand Parade Place, 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.

Supported by funding from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage through the Social Housing Capital Investment Programme, the project will provide energy‑efficient homes on Council‑owned land. This is one of many projects being progressed through the EU Competitive Dialogue procurement programme. Currently, over a thousand homes are progressing through various stages of the project pipeline by Dún Laoghaire‑Rathdown County Council.

The Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne T.D., said:

“The signing of contracts for the Grand Parade Place development in Cherrywood represents a significant advancement in the delivery of social housing within Dún Laoghaire‑Rathdown. With significant financial support from my Department, this development will provide 205 high‑quality social homes for individuals and families most in need. These homes will contribute to the creation of a sustainable, well‑integrated community.

Under the Housing Action Plan, ‘Delivering Homes, Building Communities 2025–2030’, this Government plans to significantly increase the number of new social homes built each year. Through initiatives such as this from Dún Laoghaire‑Rathdown County Council, we are reaffirming our commitment to expanding housing provision and fostering vibrant, inclusive communities.”

Michael Hynes, Chief Executive Officer of Evara, said:

“We are excited to partner with Dún Laoghaire‑Rathdown County Council on the delivery of over 200 homes at Grand Parade Place. Cherrywood is a key location for Evara, and we are actively engaged in ensuring this developing suburb features a mix of housing types and tenures, alongside excellent transport links, community facilities and amenities. Grand Parade Place will be completed to the highest standards, providing residents with sustainable and modern apartment living in a well‑served and vibrant new community.

This project marks Evara’s first collaboration with Dún Laoghaire‑Rathdown County Council under the Competitive Dialogue process, and we believe it sets a strong foundation for further partnership in the future. We look forward to delivering this project together.”

Completion of this development is expected by late 2028. Follow updates on this project and other housing initiatives on the Council’s website and social media channels.