Construction has begun on the first phase of Cherry Orchard Point in Dublin 10, with the Lord Mayor of Dublin joining the Land Development Agency (LDA), Dublin City Council (DCC) and Minister of State Christopher O'Sullivan TD to break ground. The initial phase will deliver 708 affordable homes as part of a wider 1,100-home neighbourhood.

Phase 1A comprises 389 homes — 308 cost-rental and 81 social — across five apartment buildings, and will be delivered by John Sisk and Son Ltd. The phase also includes a new public park and community spaces.

All homes will be A-rated and equipped with heat pumps, rooftop solar panels and high-quality insulation. Each apartment will have a private balcony or terrace, with many overlooking communal parkland or landscaped courtyards.

The first phase will additionally provide a supermarket unit, commercial/retail spaces, community, cultural and arts facilities, and a creche.

Across Phase 1's 708 homes, the mix will include 28 studios, 263 one-bed, 368 two-bed and 49 three-bed apartments, in buildings ranging from four to 15 storeys.

An Coimisiún Pleanála has also recently granted approval for Phase 2, which will deliver 137 affordable purchase homes: 13 two-bed houses, 88 three-bed houses, 18 two-bed duplexes and 18 three-bed duplexes.

When complete, Cherry Orchard Point will total 1,100 homes alongside landscaped public spaces including a plaza, multipurpose amenity lawn, outdoor fitness trail, multi-use games area and a playground.

A connected network of parks and civic spaces will be linked by tree-lined streets. Residents will have access to integrated, accessible public transport and a safe, permeable layout that supports sustainable travel.

The scheme is designed to align with nearby DCC initiatives, including the redevelopment of Cherry Orchard Park to create a new sports hub and the establishment of a village hub opposite St Ultan's School.

Beyond Cherry Orchard Point, the LDA and DCC are also collaborating on Bluebell Waterways, An tSrúill in Cromcastle in Coolock, the Donore Project on the site of the former St. Teresa's Gardens, and the Dolphin House Estate regeneration project.

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Speaking at the event, Ray McAdam, Lord Mayor of Dublin, said: "Today marks a truly significant moment for Cherry Orchard. Turning the sod on this long-awaited development is not just the beginning of a building project — it is the beginning of a new chapter for a proud and resilient community. The people of Cherry Orchard have worked closely with Dublin City Council and the Land Development Agency to shape what this place will become, ensuring that new homes come hand-in-hand with new amenities, new opportunities, and renewed confidence in the future of the area.

"A huge amount of dedication, perseverance and collaboration has brought us to this day, and I want to acknowledge and thank everyone who has played a part. I look forward to coming back in the months and years ahead to see this site grow into a modern, high-quality neighbourhood — one that reflects the ambition, spirit and potential of Cherry Orchard."

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne TD, said: "Today marks another step in the delivery of affordable homes here for Dublin. I would like to acknowledge the work of the Land Development Agency and Dublin City Council, who have partnered on this project. This development will provide over 1,000 new affordable and sustainable homes, as well as important retail and recreational amenities, providing a huge boost to current and future residents here in Cherry Orchard. We are responding to a housing crisis and we need more homes like these across all tenures.

"On projects such as this, every unit delivered is a much-needed home. It's the dignity and security of having a front door. As Minister, I am determined to continue to unlock the delivery of homes and accelerate the scale and pace of construction across the country. The new Government Housing action plan 'Delivering Homes, Building Communities' launched in recent weeks has provided further certainty in the sector and Cherry Orchard Point is a great example of how we are making that happen."

John Coleman, Chief Executive of the Land Development Agency, said: "It's exciting to start construction on Cherry Orchard Point, the largest joint project currently being undertaken by the LDA and DCC. Momentum is building to transform this major underutilised site into what will ultimately be a well-connected and well-served new community at the heart of Cherry Orchard. With Phase 1A construction now underway and planning recently granted for Phase 2, the LDA is making significant progress in west Dublin.

"I would like to thank the Lord Mayor and the Minister for joining us to turn the sod and for the Government's ongoing support of the LDA's ambitions, as well as DCC for their positive collaboration."

Richard Shakespeare, Chief Executive of Dublin City Council, said: "This is a great day for housing delivery in Dublin City. There is visible and welcome momentum behind the Cherry Orchard Point development which will help Dublin City Council expand its programme of mixed tenure delivery throughout the city.

"I would like to thank our partners, the Land Development Agency, and acknowledge the support of local councillors for this scheme, which will now deliver high-quality housing and amenities in an area that we have identified as suitable for future growth."

Paul Brown, CEO, Sisk said: "We are delighted to partner with the LDA again on such a major development in Dublin. Our team has the experience and expertise to drive this project forward delivering essential homes. We look forward to working with our local supply chain partners plus the LDA and DCC to deliver a development that the local community will be proud of."

Cllr. Deirdre Heney, Chair of the Housing and Social Inclusion SPC, said: "I'm really pleased to see construction begin on Cherry Orchard Point. This new housing development will deliver much needed new homes for the local community here in Dublin 10. This marks the beginning of a new chapter for Cherry Orchard. I'd like to congratulate all involved whose determination and collaboration, have got us here."