Housing – Waterford City & County Council

19th November 2025

By Waterford City & County Council

Minister of State John Cummins in Waterford to launch three affordable and cost rental schemes

On Monday, November 17^th, Minister of State for Local Government and Planning John Cummins TD, launched three affordable and cost rental schemes in his home county of Waterford.

First port of call of the day was The Courtyard in Ballycarnane, Tramore, where the Minister cut the ribbon on the 25-unit affordable housing scheme. Developed by R. McDonald & Sons and made available for sale by Waterford City and County Council, under their Affordable Purchase Scheme, the development consists of a mix of two- and three- bedroom terraced and semi-detached A-Rated homes.

The scheme forms part of a government initiative that enables eligible purchasers to receive up to €75,000 in the form of an equity stake through Waterford City and County Council, reducing the amount a purchaser has to attain through a mortgage, thereby making home ownership a reality for many that would otherwise not be able to purchase on the open market.

Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Seamus Ryan said, “This development represents another important step in our ongoing commitment to making home ownership more accessible for the people of Waterford.

“The fact that these homes sold out in record time shows not only the demand for high-quality, affordable housing but also the success of our partnership approach between local authorities, developers, and national government.”

Minister Cummins said, “I am delighted to be here in my home county to officially open The Courtyard which will see 25 families and individuals get the keys to their new home. I have been involved with this particular scheme from the very outset, prior to my appointment as Minister and it’s fantastic to see plans on paper 13 months ago, become new, secure and affordable homes today.

“The Affordable Purchase scheme continues to prove hugely successful, supporting thousands of people in securing a home that meets their needs at a price they can afford.

“As Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, I will continue to collaborate and support local authorities here in Waterford and across the country to deliver schemes, like this one here in Tramore.

“It was really fantastic to meet some residents today who had engaged with my constituency office team in navigating the process and now have keys to their new home.”

Minister Cummins then visited Mountneil, where he was joined by Government Chief Whip and Minister of State for Mental Health, Mary Butler TD. Provided by Tuath, in partnership with Waterford City and County Council, the Mountneil development contains the first-ever cost rental scheme delivered by an Approved Housing Body in Waterford and consists of 98 units, of which 49 are cost rental and 49 are social homes, delivered over two phases in December 2024 and March 2025.

Each home has been built to the highest energy efficiency standards, featuring A-rated construction, high-grade insulation and airtightness, ensuring comfort, sustainability, and affordability for residents.

Demonstrating a strong commitment to sustainable housing delivery in Waterford, between 2022 and 2024, 23% of all homes built in the city and county were affordable units highlighting how Waterford City and County Council and its partners have significantly stepped up to create sustainable communities.

Vice-Chair of Tuath’s Voluntary Board of Directors, Angela Murphy said, “Tuath is delighted to be involved in the first-ever delivery of cost rental housing by an Approved Housing Body in Waterford. The Mountneil development is a testament to our commitment to creating sustainable and affordable housing solutions that positively impact the lives of individuals and families.

“We would like to commend our lead partners Waterford City and County Council, and thank the Department of Housing, the Housing Agency, and the Housing Finance Agency for their continued support.”

The final official function of the day was the unveiling of a plaque at Gort na hInse in Ballynaneashagh, Ireland’s first purpose built and delivered local authority cost rental scheme.

Consisting of 18 two-bed and 4 three-bed homes, the cost rental scheme provides long-term secure tenure for middle income earners who may have difficulty securing a mortgage or paying rental rates in private rental accommodation.

Minister Cummins added, “Today’s openings show what can be achieved when Government, local authorities and approved housing bodies and the private sector work together with ambition and focus. I want to commend everyone who has contributed to the delivery of these schemes and I look forward to many more in the time ahead.”

10th November 2025

By Waterford City & County Council

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 7^th 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.

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.

24th October 2025

By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford City and County Council wins National Age Friendly Recognition & Achievement Award 2025

Waterford City and County Council is delighted to announce that St. Joseph’s House on Manor Hill has won the National Age Friendly Recognition and Achievement Award 2025 in the Safety & Security (Housing) Category. The award was accepted by Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Séamus Ryan, at a ceremony held in The Galmont Hotel and Spa, Galway, on Thursday, October 23rd, 2025.

St. Joseph’s House was a former religious convent constructed by the Little Sisters of the Poor in 1874, who dedicated their lives to caring for the elderly. Today, St. Joseph’s House is an age-friendly housing development, designed for people aged 55 and over for a minimum of 25 years, with a strong focus on tenant engagement.
In June 2023, the development on the landmark site of Manor Hill was officially opened by then Minister for Housing, Darragh O’Brien TD. The former convent was transformed into 71 dwellings, with 50 units located within the main building and 21 located in the various out-building clusters on the site, while the former chapel 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. The Repair and Lease Scheme has been pioneered in Waterford and is a significant driver in providing high-quality, affordable housing solutions while also bringing vacant buildings back into use.

St. Joseph’s House provides age-friendly housing appropriate to the needs of older adults in Waterford, in line with the Waterford Age Friendly Strategy, promoting and supporting independent living and ageing in place.

In addition, Waterford City and County Council provides onsite support to tenants through the employment of a Tenant Engagement Officer, whose role includes the development of tenancy supports and the co-ordination of community, health, and social supports. A tenants’ forum was also established, ensuring the continued development of a positive sense of community and assisting in the development of supports and services for residents into the future.

Speaking following the announcement, Claire Flavin, Age Friendly Ireland Programme Manager for Waterford, said:

“This award recognises Waterford City and County Council’s ongoing commitment to age-friendly housing, tenant support, community development, and wellbeing. It marks a very proud moment for Waterford, leading the way in inclusive living for older adults across our city and county. Congratulations to everyone involved with St. Joseph’s House, and sincere thanks to the adjudication panel.”

ENDS

20th October 2025

By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford City and County Council shortlisted for National Age Friendly Recognition & Achievement Award 2025

St. Joseph's group

Waterford City and County Council is pleased to announce that St. Joseph’s House on Manor Hill has been shortlisted in the Safety & Security (Housing) Category of the National Age Friendly Recognition and Achievement Awards 2025.

St Joseph’s House was a former religious convent constructed by the Little Sisters of the Poor in 1874 who dedicated their lives to caring for the elderly. Today, St Joseph’s House is an age friendly housing development, designed for people aged 55 and over for a minimum of 25 years with a strong focus on tenant engagement.

In June 2023, the development on the landmark site of Manor Hill was officially opened by then Minister for Housing, Darragh O’Brien TD. The former convent was transformed into 71 dwellings, with 50 units located within the main building and 21 located in the various out-building clusters on the site, 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. The Repair and Lease Scheme has been pioneered in Waterford and is a significant driver in providing high quality affordable housing solutions and at the same time has significantly addressed and delivered the return to use of vacant buildings in Waterford.

St. Joseph’s House provides age friendly housing appropriate to the needs of older adults in Waterford in line with Waterford Age Friendly Strategy as well as promoting and supporting independent living and ageing in place.

In addition, Waterford City and County Council provides onsite support to tenants through the employment of a Tenant Engagement Officer, whose role includes the development of tenancy supports and co-ordination of community, health and social supports. A tenants’ forum was also established, which ensures the continued development of a positive sense of community, as well as assisting in the development of supports/services for residents for the future.

Now in its ninth year, the National Age Friendly Recognition and Achievement Awards shine a spotlight on the people, projects, and partnerships driving real change for older people in towns, cities, and rural areas right across Ireland. Each shortlisted initiative has been selected for its impact, innovation, and potential to inspire similar efforts in other communities.

The award ceremony takes place in The Galmont Hotel and Spa in Galway on Thursday, October 23^rd, 2025.

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Image: Members of the National Age Friendly Recognition & Achievement Award Adjudication Panel, Waterford City and County Council staff members and stakeholders visiting St. Joseph’s House earlier this year.

17th October 2025

By Waterford City & County Council

Please take our Affordable Housing Survey

Waterford City and County Council is currently conducting an Affordable Housing Survey which will be used to gauge need and interest in Affordable Housing across the city and county. The survey seeks information which will guide the Council, in particular the Housing Department, on affordability, eligibility, types of affordable housing, and locations, to best plan for future affordable housing developments.

Affordable Housing includes the Affordable Purchase Scheme, the Cost Rental Scheme and the Ready to Build Scheme, so provides options for purchasing a home, renting a home, and in some cases building a home.

To date we have provided over 200 affordable homes for purchase, and 22 cost rental homes in Waterford City and Tramore.

This is a unique opportunity for all to have their say and have input into affordable housing plans in their area. Please complete the survey below.

TAKE SURVEY

13th October 2025

By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford Survey to gauge Affordable Housing Needs

Affordable Housing Survey Waterford City and County Council is inviting people to register their interest to help determine the level of demand for Affordable Housing throughout Waterford city and county.

Information collected from the online survey will help identify local housing needs and inform the planning of future affordable housing schemes to include Affordable Purchase Schemes, Cost Rental Schemes and the Ready to Build Scheme. The Local Authority Affordable Purchase Scheme makes homes available at a reduced price for First Time Buyers and Fresh Start applicants, whose combined mortgage and deposit will not cover the market price of the newly built home.

Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Séamus Ryan welcomed the survey saying, “The premise of this survey is to provide valuable and practical insights into future affordable housing developments throughout Waterford, that will truly meet the demands of those eligible to apply.

“As Waterford City and County Council endeavours to provide more affordable homes, the results of the survey will roadmap the delivery of affordable homes in the locations they are needed. I would urge all prospective affordable housing applicants to complete the survey, as it is these opinions that will guide and inform the future planning of affordable housing schemes in Waterford.”

Waterford City and County Council has already made homes available under the Affordable Purchase Scheme at Deerpark in Williamstown, Summerfields in Kilbarry and The Courtyard in Tramore, and will be seeking to provide additional homes in the future.

The Council has also made Cost Rental homes available at Gort na hInse, Ballinaneasagh. Cost Rental Homes rents are set at least 25% below market rates, based on the costs of building, managing, and maintaining the properties.

The survey aligns with the Council’s work on delivering affordable housing for sale and rent under the “Housing for All” plan and for making affordable housing available to those on low to moderate income.

The Affordable Housing survey findings will allow the Council to make informed decisions about the delivery, design and location of future affordable housing schemes and eligibility requirements. All data submitted will be treated confidentially and used solely for the purpose of determining how best to deliver affordable housing.

The survey is now open online until Tuesday, October 21st 2025 and can be accessed via the button below.

Take Survey!

Queries in relation to Affordable Housing can be emailed to affordablehomes@waterfordcouncil.ie

-ENDS-

30th September 2025

By Waterford City & County Council

Seolann Comhairle Cathrach agus Contae Phort Láirge Suirbhé chun Riachtanais Tithíochta Inacmhainne a thomhas

Affordable Housing Survey Tá Comhairle Cathrach agus Contae Phort Láirge ag tabhairt cuireadh do dhaoine a spéis a chlárú chun cabhrú leo eolas a bhailiú ar an leibhéal éilimh ar Thithíocht Inacmhainne ar fud chathair agus chontae Phort Láirge.

Cabhróidh an t-eolas a bhaileofar ón suirbhé ar líne le riachtanais tithíochta áitiúla a aithint agus cuirfidh sé bonn eolais faoi phleanáil scéimeanna tithíochta inacmhainne amach anseo lena n-áirítear Scéimeanna Ceannaigh Inacmhainne, Scéimeanna Cíosa Costais agus an Scéim Réidh le Tógáil.

Cuireann Scéim Ceannaigh Inacmhainne an Údaráis Áitiúil tithe ar fáil ar phraghas laghdaithe do Cheannaitheoirí Céaduaire agus d’iarratasóirí Fresh Start, nach gclúdóidh a morgáiste agus a dtaisce comhcheangailte praghas margaidh an tí nuathógtha.

Chuir Méara Chathair agus Chontae Phort Láirge, An Comhairleoir Séamus Ryan fáilte roimh an suirbhé ag rá, “Is é bunphrionsabal an tsuirbhé seo ná léargas luachmhar agus praiticiúil a thabhairt ar fhorbairtí tithíochta inacmhainne ar fud Phort Láirge amach anseo, a fhreastalóidh go fírinneach ar éilimh na ndaoine atá incháilithe iarratas a dhéanamh.

“Agus Comhairle Cathrach agus Contae Phort Láirge ag iarraidh tithe níos inacmhainne a chur ar fáil, treoróidh torthaí an tsuirbhé soláthar tithe inacmhainne sna háiteanna a bhfuil gá leo. Mholfainn do gach iarratasóir ionchasach ar thithíocht inacmhainne an suirbhé a líonadh isteach, mar is iad na tuairimí seo a threoróidh agus a bheidh mar bhonn eolais do phleanáil scéimeanna tithíochta inacmhainne i bPort Láirge amach anseo.”

Tá tithe curtha ar fáil cheana féin ag Comhairle Cathrach agus Contae Phort Láirge faoin Scéim Ceannaigh Inacmhainne ag Páirc an Fhia i mBaile Liam, Páirc na Gréine i gCill Bharra agus ag An Clós sa Trá Mhór, agus beidh siad ag iarraidh tithe breise a chur ar fáil amach anseo.

Tá tithe ar Cíos de réir Costais curtha ar fáil ag an gComhairle chomh maith ag Gort na hInse, Baile na nDéiseach. Socraítear cíosanna Tithe ar Cíos de réir Costais ar a laghad 25% faoi bhun rátaí an mhargaidh, bunaithe ar na costais a bhaineann leis na maoine a thógáil, a bhainistiú agus a chothabháil.

Tá an suirbhé ag teacht le hobair na Comhairle maidir le tithíocht inacmhainne a chur ar fáil lena díol agus lena ligean ar cíos faoin bplean ‘Tithíocht do Chách’ agus maidir le tithíocht inacmhainne a chur ar fáil dóibh siúd ar ioncam íseal go meánach.

Cuirfidh torthaí an tsuirbhé ar Thithíocht Inacmhainne ar chumas na Comhairle cinntí eolasacha a dhéanamh maidir le seachadadh, dearadh agus suíomh scéimeanna tithíochta inacmhainne agus riachtanais incháilitheachta amach anseo. Caithfear leis na sonraí go léir a bhaileofar faoi rún agus ní úsáidfear iad ach amháin chun cinneadh a dhéanamh maidir le conas is fearr tithíocht inacmhainne a sholáthar.

Tá an suirbhé ar oscailt ar líne anois go dtí Dé Máirt, an 21 Deireadh Fómhair 2025 agus is féidir teacht air trí an nasc thíos.

Comhlánaigh an Suirbhé!

Is féidir fiosrúcháin maidir le Tithíocht Inacmhainne a sheoladh ar ríomhphost chuig affordablehomes@waterfordcouncil.ie

-CRÍOCH-

30th September 2025

By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford City and County Council launches Survey to gauge Affordable Housing Needs

The survey is now open online until Tuesday, October 21st 2025 and can be accessed via the button below.

Take Survey!

Queries in relation to Affordable Housing can be emailed to affordablehomes@waterfordcouncil.ie

-ENDS-

11th April 2025

By Waterford City & County Council

Housing Applicants : Have You Changed Address ?

Have you changed address recently ? If you are an approved housing applicant with Waterford City & County Council, you must inform the Housing Applications team in the Council if you change address. Failure to inform the
Housing Applications team of a change of address will result in removal from the social housing list.

Send current proof of your new address, utility bill, lease or rental statement to Housing Applications, Baileys New Street, Waterford or scan to housingapplications@waterfordcouncil.ie with your contact details.

To be considered for an allocation with Waterford City & County Council please engage with Choice Based Lettings (CBL) via www.waterfordcouncil.ie and make an expression of interest.

5th March 2025

By Waterford City & County Council

Housing Applicants : Have You Changed Address ?

Have you changed address recently ? If you are an approved housing applicant with Waterford City & County Council, you must inform the Housing Applications team in the Council if you change address. Failure to inform the Housing Applications team of a change of address will result in removal from the social housing list.

To be considered for an allocation with Waterford City & County Council please engage with Choice Based Lettings (CBL) via www.waterfordcouncil.ie and make an expression of interest.

25th February 2025

By Waterford City & County Council

Housing Applicants : Have You Changed Address ?

Have you changed address recently ? If you are an approved housing applicant with Waterford City & County Council, you must inform the Housing Applications team in the Council if you change address. Failure to inform the Housing Applications team of a change of address will result in removal from the social housing list.

To be considered for an allocation with Waterford City & County Council please engage with Choice Based Lettings (CBL) via www.waterfordcouncil.ie and make an expression of interest.

24th February 2025

By Waterford City & County Council

Minister of State makes return to his native Waterford

Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, John Cummins TD paid a visit to his home city of Waterford last week (Friday, February 21st) where he met with Waterford City and County Council management team and visited an affordable housing development in Tramore.

First port of call was City Hall where Minister Cummins met with Waterford City and County Council Chief Executive, Sean McKeown and members of the senior management team, where he was updated on a range of topical issues including the URDF (Urban Regeneration and Development Fund) projects in the city and county.

Some of the ongoing URDF projects include the North Quays Strategic Development Zone (SDZ); the redevelopment of the former Munster Express building on Merchant’s Quay into a smart data research hub; Parade Quay, a mixed-use development and new urban realm space in the Viking Triangle, and the large-scale redevelopment of the historic city centre building at No.3 & No. 4 George’s Street.

There was also discussion on planning matters, social and affordable housing projects, including cost rental.

The Minister then travelled to Tramore where he officially turned the sod on The Courtyard at Ballycarnane, the latest affordable housing development in the seaside town. The scheme when completed will consist of 25 newly built and beautifully designed homes, with a mix of two- and three-bedroom terrace and semi-detached properties. The Courtyard is the latest development launched under the Affordable Purchase Scheme, in partnership with Waterford City and County Council and developers, R. McDonald & Sons.

Through the scheme, these homes are available at a reduced price for first-time buyers whose mortgage and deposit will not cover the price of the home and who are seeking to purchase a newly built home. The scheme was introduced in 2024 and will be completed by the end of 2025.

Speaking of the visit, Minister Cummins said, “I was delighted to visit Waterford City and County Council on Friday in my capacity as Minister of State at the Department of Housing. My meeting with members of the senior management team focused on the future of Waterford city and county, particularly a number of projects that we will work hard to progress. As part of my visit, it was an honour to turn the sod on the latest affordable purchase development in Tramore, the Courtyard, Ballycarnane which is being delivered by Waterford City & County Council with the support of the Affordable Housing Fund.”

“I want to commend all involved at Waterford City and County Council and at R. McDonald & Sons in delivering these exceptional, well-designed, modern, energy efficient homes beautifully located here in the sunny southeast. This government is committed to providing more housing solutions for people. This visit and the interest around this development displays the scheme is working to help get people on the housing ladder. I look forward to seeing these houses used in time to come and I will continue to work hard to offer more solutions like this.”

In welcoming Minister Cummins to City Hall, Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Jason Murphy said, “We are delighted to welcome Minister Cummins to City Hall in his new role as Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. John is no stranger to Waterford Council having served as a councillor for over eleven years and as a Senator for five years.”

“As a local authority that has been highlighted as an exemplar in housing provision, it was great to discuss the Council’s pipeline of housing initiatives, the regeneration of our towns and villages through URDF and RRDF (Rural Regeneration and Development Fund) and the progress on the North Quays.”

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Images (Free to Use); Noel Browne

1: Minister Cummins TD is pictured with (l-r) Richard McDonald, R. McDonald & Sons, Government Chief Whip Mary Butler TD, Sean McKeown Waterford City & County Council Chief Executive, Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Jason Murphy, and Senator Joe Conway.

4: Minister Cummins TD with Richard McDonald, R. McDonald & Sons and Walter Holden Senior Executive Architect, Waterford City & County Council.

8: Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, John Cummins TD turns the sod on The Courtyard development at Ballycarnane, Tramore with

Walter Holden, Senior Executive Architect Waterford City & County Council; Clodagh McDonald, Lawrence & McDonald Selling Agents; Richard McDonald, R. McDonald & Sons; Helena Dennehy, Director of Services Waterford City and County Council; Mayor of Waterford City and County Cllr. Jason Murphy; Government Chief Whip Mary Butler TD, Sean McKeown Waterford City & County Council Chief Executive; Senator Joe Conway & Melanie Cunningham-Head, Waterford City and County Council.

20th February 2025

By Waterford City & County Council

St. Joseph’s, Waterford featured on RTE’s Nationwide

In case you missed it The #Nationwide team visited St. Joseph’s House on Manor Hill, a converted convent that was now home to almost 100 residents.

They talked to members of Waterford City and County Council and residents about bringing the former convent back into use as a fully modernised, energy-efficient housing development in the heart of Waterford city.

To watch on the RTÉ Player visit: https://loom.ly/kbA825o

20th February 2025

By Waterford City & County Council

Construction contract signed for Shandon Development Project

Waterford City and County Council recently awarded the construction contract for the Shandon housing development project (Dungarvan) under the Accelerated Delivery Programme to Nevin Construction of Maritana Gate, Waterford.

The project consists of the construction of 38 residential units, comprising 22 two-and three-bed houses and 16 one-and two bed apartments along with a community facility. The works will include parking and amenity areas, boundary treatments, landscaping and all associated site works.

This new development will consolidate existing residential areas close to Dungarvan town, and support local schools, amenities, and commercial uses in the general Shandon area.

Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Jason Murphy acknowledged that it was a significant day for Dungarvan, saying, “This investment in Shandon and by extension Dungarvan is to be welcomed. The delivery of social housing is a cornerstone of Waterford City and County Council’s housing policy. These energy efficient, modern homes will mark the start of a new chapter for so many young families and will bring additional vibrancy to the area.”

Sean McKeown, Chief Executive of Waterford City and County Council added, “Waterford City and County Council’s housing delivery programme is regarded as one of the strongest in the local authority sector.

“The delivery of projects such as the Shandon housing project is part of the Council’s strategy to further develop the pipeline of social housing across the city and county, in collaboration with our housing, planning and property management sections, and in tandem with government support agencies and stakeholders.”

Nevin Construction was awarded the contract which was procured through a Multi-Supplier Framework for the provision of Design & Build Dwelling Projects with values between €5,000,000 and €18,000,000 (Type 3 Projects) including associated works for use by Kilkenny, Carlow, Tipperary, Waterford, Wexford and Wicklow County Councils.

The Shandon housing development is being delivered under the Government’s ‘Housing for All – a New Housing Plan for Ireland‘. Under the Housing for All initiative, Waterford City and County Council has unveiled new social housing units at various locations throughout the city and county, including Ballygunner, Green Road and Ballynaneashagh in Waterford City, Mary Street in Dungarvan, Cappoquin, Crobally Upper in Tramore, and Fountain Street in Ferrybank.

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Image: Noel Browne

Caption: The Mayor of Waterford City & County, Cllr. Jason Murphy is pictured with Bernard Nevin, Managing Director, Nevin Construction, CE Waterford City and County Council, Sean McKeown, Walter Holden, Senior Executive Architect, WC&CC (Housing), Michael Landers, DML Architects and Thea O’Riordan, Executive Quantity Surveyor, WC&CC.