On Monday, 17 November, Minister of State for Local Government and Planning John Cummins TD launched three housing initiatives in Waterford focused on affordable purchase and cost-rental homes.

The day began at The Courtyard in Ballycarnane, Tramore, where he cut the ribbon on a 25-home affordable purchase development. Built by R. McDonald & Sons and offered for sale by Waterford City and County Council under its Affordable Purchase Scheme, the project includes a mix of two- and three-bedroom terraced and semi-detached A-rated homes.

Through the scheme, eligible buyers can access an equity stake of up to €75,000 from the Council, reducing the mortgage required and helping people who might otherwise be priced out of the market to buy a home.

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."

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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."

The Minister then visited Mountneil with Government Chief Whip and Minister of State for Mental Health, Mary Butler TD. Delivered by Tuath in partnership with Waterford City and County Council, the Mountneil scheme features Waterford’s first cost-rental homes provided by an Approved Housing Body. The 98-unit development comprises 49 cost-rental and 49 social homes, delivered over two phases in December 2024 and March 2025.

All homes are built to high energy-efficiency standards, with A-rated construction, high-grade insulation and airtightness to support comfort, sustainability and affordability.

Between 2022 and 2024, 23% of all homes built in Waterford city and county were affordable units, underlining the Council’s and its partners’ commitment to 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 engagement saw the unveiling of a plaque at Gort na hInse in Ballynaneashagh, Ireland's first purpose-built and delivered local authority cost-rental scheme.

Comprising 18 two-bed and 4 three-bed homes, the development provides long-term secure tenure for middle-income earners who may struggle to secure a mortgage or afford private market rents.