Dún Laoghaire‑Rathdown County Council has signed contracts with Winterbrook Ltd. to deliver 129 new social and affordable homes at Emmet Gardens in Dundrum, a key scheme on Council‑owned land advanced through the EU Competitive Dialogue procurement route. The project marks a major step in the Council's housing programme, with more than 1,000 additional homes currently progressing through its delivery pipeline.

Approved by Elected Members under the Part 8 process in 2025, the development will comprise three blocks ranging from two to six storeys. It will provide 72 one‑bedroom and 57 two‑bedroom homes, with a strong emphasis on affordability and layouts designed to support a diverse mix of households and a sustainable, welcoming community.

The plans include a new public park, communal open spaces, play areas and supporting facilities, alongside on‑site car and bicycle parking. Situated on Dundrum Road, the site is close to several bus routes and within walking distance of the Green Line Luas, ensuring excellent connectivity.

Funding is being provided by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, including support through the Social Housing Capital Investment Programme. The site was acquired via the Housing Agency's Land Acquisition Fund, and the Affordable Housing Fund is contributing to affordable‑purchase homes within the scheme, helping to deliver high‑quality, energy‑efficient homes at accessible prices.

This is the second contract signed between the Council and Winterbrook Ltd., following an agreement in late 2025 under which construction is already underway elsewhere in the county, underscoring a productive partnership to accelerate new home delivery.

Building on the success of Competitive Dialogue, the Council has engaged extensively with developers, landowners and builders to identify innovative solutions and intends to launch a further call later in 2026 to maintain momentum on social and affordable housing across the county.

Speaking at the contract signing, Cllr Jim Gildea, Cathaoirleach of Dún Laoghaire‑Rathdown County Council, said: "The signing of contracts for Emmet Gardens is a significant milestone for Dún Laoghaire‑Rathdown County Council and for housing delivery in Dundrum. This development will provide much‑needed social and affordable homes on Council‑owned land, in a strong public transport location, and will help to meet local housing need while supporting balanced and sustainable communities.

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"I want to acknowledge the work of the Elected Members and Housing staff in progressing this project through the Part 8 and Competitive Dialogue processes. This contract signing represents an important step in moving from planning to delivery, and I look forward to seeing Emmet Gardens take shape as a new residential community in Dundrum."

Frank Curran, Chief Executive of Dún Laoghaire‑Rathdown County Council, added: "Emmet Gardens demonstrates how the Council can use innovative delivery approaches, such as Competitive Dialogue, to unlock high‑quality housing on our own land in partnership with the private sector. This scheme will deliver a substantial number of affordable homes alongside social housing, supported by high‑quality public spaces and community amenities.

"Across the county, more than 1,000 housing units are currently progressing through various stages of the Council's project pipeline and building on the success of projects such as Emmet Gardens, we intend to progress a further Competitive Dialogue call later in 2026 to support the continued delivery of social and affordable housing."

The Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne T.D., added: "I am delighted to see the contracts being signed to progress this vital project that will deliver 129 much needed social and affordable homes to Dundrum. With significant financial support from my Department, Emmet Gardens will deliver high-quality, energy efficient homes at prices people can afford, building a vibrant, sustainable, and well-connected community with excellent access to public transport.

"Under the Housing Action Plan, 'Delivering Homes, Building Communities 2025-2030', this Government has set a target of building 300,000 new homes by 2030, and a significant increase in the number of social homes will form a crucial part of that. Close collaboration at all levels of Government and across both the public and private sector will be key in achieving these goals and I would like to commend Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council for the ambition and vision they have shown with this project and urge others to do similar by drawing on the supports available from Government."

Conor Rhatigan, Managing Director of Winterbrook Ltd., said: ''Winterbrook is delighted to be progressing Emmet Gardens, a new residential community of 129 homes in partnership with Dún Laoghaire–Rathdown County Council, helping to meet the ongoing need for new housing in the area.

"Emmet Gardens benefits from a prime location, with easy access to a wide range of local amenities and excellent public transport links, including close proximity to the Luas. This connectivity makes it an ideal setting for a sustainable, well-integrated development.

"Winterbrook would like to thank the teams across DLR, along with our consultant and legal advisers, for their collaborative engagement throughout the process. We are particularly appreciative of the confidence placed in Winterbrook by DLR and are proud to be trusted with the delivery of Emmet Gardens.

"Projects like this play an important role in responding to housing demand, and Winterbrook remains focused on delivering high-quality homes in the right locations. We look forward to continuing to work with local authorities and stakeholders to deliver further housing projects in the period ahead."

Construction is set to commence shortly, with completion targeted for late 2028. The Council will share updates on Emmet Gardens and other housing initiatives on its website and social channels.