South Dublin County Council (SDCC) has launched Innovation Square, the first standalone cost rental housing development in Ireland to be funded directly by a local authority.

Located in Tallaght's Innovation Quarter, the scheme consists of 133 new homes and represents the largest single-tenure cost rental project delivered by a local authority in the country to date. The total cost of the Innovation Square development is approximately €57 million.

The development was constructed by main contractor JJ Rhatigan under a design and build contract, with project oversight provided by COADY Architects. The scheme was delivered using modern methods of construction, including offsite fabrication of precast concrete wall panels with a brick finish, integrated insulation, windows and internal finishes. These were delivered to site ready for installation, enabling completion within a tight delivery programme.

The brownfield site, which is owned by SDCC, had planning approval granted in October 2020. The completed development includes studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments arranged in two podium blocks of up to eight storeys, along with interconnecting three-bedroom homes. The design also incorporates a managed community facility, a landscaped communal courtyard, bicycle storage and a number of resident car parking spaces.

While officially launching the project, Tánaiste Simon Harris TD, commented: "Innovation Square represents the best practice we need to see when it comes to delivering housing. Here we see a local authority activating a brownfield site, delivering it efficiently using modern methods of construction and using Government regeneration funds to enable an exciting area masterplan.

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"I commend all those involved in the delivery of Innovation Square which has resulted in impressive homes with security of tenure in this Tallaght Community."

The project forms part of a wider area masterplan that also delivered a new link road, significant improvements to the public realm, and SDCC's new innovation centre, WorkIQ. These associated projects were funded in part through the Urban Regeneration Development Fund (URDF), contributing to the regeneration of the wider Tallaght area, which has the potential to accommodate up to 11,000 new homes and 15,000 jobs under the Tallaght Local Area Plan.

SDCC funded the scheme through a combination of its own loan finance and €19.95 million in grant support from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage under the Affordable Housing Fund. The cost rental model ensures that rents cover the full costs of financing, construction, property management and maintenance over a 40-year period, while delivering rental levels at least 25 percent below local market rates.

Speaking on the innovative development, Minister for Housing Local Government and Heritage, James Browne said: "I'm delighted to visit this completed development of 133 cost rental homes and see at first-hand, how the €19.95m funding from my department's Affordable Housing Fund has supported the construction of the development."

Colm Ward, Chief Executive of SDCC, added: "By investing in cost rental housing on a brownfield site, we are not only delivering high-quality, affordable homes but also laying the foundation for a more inclusive and sustainable urban future. This project is a catalyst for regeneration, a model for climate-conscious development, and a testament to what can be achieved through strong partnerships and community-focused planning."

The project includes a full planned maintenance programme to ensure long-term sustainability. In addition, all homes are connected to SDCC's Heatworks district heating system, which uses waste heat from a nearby data centre to provide low-carbon heating to local buildings.

The homes will have rents ranging from €950 to €1,550 depending on unit type. Prospective tenants can register their interest from Thursday, July 3. For more information, contact [email protected]