A sod-turning ceremony has been held to mark the beginning of construction at the Clonburris Strategic Development Zone (SDZ) in south Dublin.

This €200 million project will involve the construction of the first major new street 'South Link Street' and commencement of the first new housing development of 563 homes. When complete, the Clonburris SDZ will become a sustainable urban neighbourhood and home to 23,000 people over the next 10 years.

Housing Minister Darragh O'Brien TD was joined by the Mayor of South Dublin County, Councillor Emma Murphy, Daniel McLoughlin, SDCC Chief Executive, along with representatives from the three other major private landowners of Cairn Homes, Kelland Homes and Quintain, to mark the major milestone.

The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage (DHLGH) is providing €186m of Urban Regeneration and Development Funding (URDF) and the NTA is providing €18.8m for Active Travel works. This funding will enable the timely delivery of new streets, parks and community buildings that will help to accelerate the delivery of over 8,700 new homes. This funding reflects the implementation on the ground of Project Ireland 2040 and the Government's Housing for All policy.

In tandem with the funding and delivery of this critical infrastructure, the delivery of new homes is also well underway. To date 944 new homes have been granted planning permission, Cairn Homes have commenced delivery on-site of 563 homes, and a further 1,045 homes are being assessed as part of live planning permissions, which include a mix retail and community facilities.

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SDCC is also a significant landowner in the area with the potential for over 2,500 social and affordable homes. The Council has secured planning permission for 381 homes and are planning to commence construction of these social and affordable homes in summer 2023.

Clonburris is a huge opportunity of national, regional, and local significance, with the potential to enhance housing provision, regenerate neighbouring communities, improve transport, and create a high-quality neighbourhood in a strategic location less than 15 minutes to Dublin City Centre by train.

Housing Minister Darragh O'Brien said: "It's fantastic to be here today to mark the commencement of works at the Clonburris Strategic Development Zone (SDZ). I am particularly delighted that South Dublin County Council will commence construction of their first tranche of social and affordable homes in the coming months. Increasing housing supply is at the heart of the Government's Housing for All plan. Clonburris is a prime example of a sustainable neighbourhood, and the state is investing substantial funds to ensure that the necessary infrastructure is in place, this includes parks, community buildings and active travel works. In the future there will be some 23,000 people living here and enjoying all the amenities."

Chief Executive of South Dublin County Council Daniel McLoughlin added: "The Clonburris South Link Street is a first step in delivering the Clonburris SDZ. With a credible delivery programme for 8,700 public and private homes as well as the provision of 90 hectares of new public parks, community facilities, new streets and utilities, Clonburris SDZ is a major part of the County's development strategy for the next 10 years. As a major landowner in Clonburris, it is a particularly important part of the Council's own social and affordable housing delivery commitments under the Government's Housing for All plan. South Dublin County Council are fully focused on working through the next stages of the approval processes to release funding and build these projects and we welcome the continued partnership of Government, the Minister and his Department, the NTA and other house builders in Clonburris."