Housing Minister James Browne and Minister of State John Cummins launch social and affordable homes across Waterford
Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage James Browne TD had a busy day in Waterford, Friday, November 7th as he toured four significant housing developments in the city and Tramore.
The first visit of the day was to St. Joseph’s House, an age-friendly housing development on the landmark site of Manor Hill, where the Minister was joined by Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Seamus Ryan, Government Chief Whip and Minister of State for Mental Health Mary Butler TD, Minister of State for Local Government and Planning John Cummins TD, Senator Joe Conway, Waterford City and County Council Chief Executive, Seán McKeown and elected representatives.
The Minister toured the award-winning, age-friendly development which opened in June 2023. The former convent has been transformed into 71 dwellings, while the former chapel on the site has been repurposed as a community space for multiple uses by tenants.
Over €4.2 million was approved through the Repair and Lease Scheme, funded by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. The funding was provided under Housing for All – A New Housing Plan for Ireland.
Minister Browne and Mayor Ryan then officially launched An Garrán in Tramore. The social housing development consists of 50 A-rated residential homes, comprising 6 one-bed, 28 two-bed, 11 three-bed and 5 disabled accessible two-bed units.
Phase 2 of the An Garrán Social Housing Development in Tramore reached substantial completion in May 2025, marking a key milestone in the continued delivery of high-quality social housing in the area. The project was delivered in just under 24 months, for an overall construction budget of just over €12.5 million, was fully funded by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and delivered under the ‘Housing for All’ national housing policy.
The development offers a balanced mix of one, two, and three-bedroom homes, including five universally accessible two-bedroom single storey dwellings designed to accommodate residents with medical or age-related needs. This inclusive design approach ensures accessibility, promotes community diversity, and supports long-term adaptability within the Waterford City and County Council’s housing stock.
Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Séamus Ryan said, “Developments like An Garrán help ensure that Tramore remains a thriving, inclusive community… a place where people of all ages and backgrounds can live, grow, and contribute. They remind us that housing is not just about numbers or targets, but about people, opportunity, and the future of our communities.”
Minister Browne commented, “I am delighted to be here in Waterford today to visit these four developments and to meet the individuals and families who now hold the keys to their new homes… homes that will bring lasting benefit and security.”
“These developments are a prime example of how my Department, and this Government are delivering tailored housing solutions to meet diverse needs. By adopting innovative approaches, including the re-purposing of existing buildings we’re supporting communities from young families to older citizens.
“I’m particularly impressed by the St Joseph’s House development and Waterford City and County Council’s effective use of the Repair and Lease Scheme. It’s a standout example of how vacant institutional buildings can be transformed into quality social housing, meeting housing needs while revitalising urban areas.
“Boosting housing supply isn’t just about quantity – it’s about making sure every community gets the homes it needs.”
Minister Cummins said, “It’s great to be in my home county of Waterford today to visit four fantastic developments and see the positive impact they are having on the new residents and the community. Waterford City and County Council is leading the way nationally with the use of the Repair and Lease scheme which is delivering much needed one and two bed housing to the market. I want to commend them for their work and when I am visiting local authorities across the country, I am asking them to deploy the best practice demonstrated by Waterford City and County Council.
“It is fantastic to be back in An Garrán in Tramore today, having being here 24 months ago when we turned the sod on the project. Over 550 social houses are currently at various stages of delivery at present in Waterford, backed by significant capital investment by government.
“In my role as Minister for Planning and Local Government, I am constantly striving to cut red tape and make it easier to deliver much needed homes and services for our growing population.”
Minister Butler added, “The delivery of quality social housing is a priority for Government, and the completion of these 50 residential units here at An Garrán in Tramore is just one example of projects all over the country being quietly delivered on time, and on budget.
“Each of these 50 residential units will be a place for people with medical needs or older people to call home. I want to commend all the partners who made these homes possible, in particular I want to pay tribute to Waterford City and County Council for their leadership of projects such as this. I also want to thank my colleague, the Minister for Housing, for his Department’s funding of this project, and for his presence here today in Waterford to see the impact of this investment for the people of Tramore.”
The Housing Minister then visited Strand Hill in Crobally Upper, a Co-operative Housing Ireland (CHI) project. The second phase of the development comprises 14 A-rated energy-efficient homes.
The full scheme of 25 homes includes a diverse residential mix of seven one-bed apartments, 13 two-bed homes and five three-bed houses. Delivered under the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage’s Capital Advance Leasing Facility (CALF) scheme, these homes strengthen the supply of high-quality social housing and meet a broad range of household needs within the locality.
Padraic Clancy, Co-operative Housing Ireland’s Director of New Development said, “Co-operative Housing Ireland is proud to deliver these new homes in partnership with Waterford City and County Council and the Department of Housing. We’re ready to build on this success and deliver more homes for communities across Waterford, ensuring people can live well, affordably and securely in the place they call home.”
The final official function of the day was the turning of the sod at Harmony Heights in Newtown, Tramore. This age-friendly turnkey social housing development will comprise of 20 A-rated, high quality and sustainable homes. Comprising of 4 one-bedroom end-of-terrace bungalows and 16 two-bedroom mid-terrace bungalows, Harmony Heights is designed to support a fully inclusive and long-term housing community for individuals with medical or age-related needs.
Seán McKeown, Chief Executive of Waterford City and County Council added, “The visit of Minister Browne to Waterford today reaffirms the Council’s strong and consistent record in the delivery of social and affordable housing.
“Effective collaboration between Waterford City and County Council, Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs), government departments, and private developers remains central to achieving Waterford’s Housing for All target of over 1,100 social homes by 2026. More importantly, this partnership approach ensures the provision of high-quality, sustainable, and accessible homes, enabling individuals and families, both young and old, to thrive in what is proudly recognised as Ireland’s Best Place to Live.”
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Free to use images: Patrick Browne
1560: Visiting St. Joseph’s House were Donal Ó Murchadha and Walter Holden of Waterford City and County Council, Cllr. Frank Quinlan, Sean McKeown Chief Executive Waterford City and County Council, Minister Mary Butler, Mayor of Waterford City and County Cllr. Seamus Ryan, Minister James Browne, Minister John Cummins and Seamus De Faoite, Waterford City and County Council.
1934: Officially launching An Garrán were Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Seamus Ryan and Minister James Browne
1751: Visiting Strand Hill, a Co-operative Housing Ireland (CHI) project were Seamus De Faoite Director of Services Waterford City and County Council, Minister John Cummins, Minister James Browne, Minister Mary Butler, and Padraic Clancy, CHI.
1795 / 1814: Turning the sod at Harmony Heights were Seamus De Faoite Director of Services, Waterford City and County Council, Minister John Cummins, Minister James Browne, Minister Mary Butler, and John Ryan Construction Director, DFL.
