Evara, Ireland's largest private homebuilder, has signed contracts to provide 205 new social homes in Cherrywood, Dublin, for Dún Laoghaire‑Rathdown County Council (DLR).

The scheme, located at Grand Parade Place on Council land in the rapidly growing suburb, will comprise 117 two‑bedroom, 75 one‑bedroom and 13 studio apartments.

The project is advancing through DLR's Competitive Dialogue procurement route, which the Council is using to collaborate with partners to deliver high‑quality, cost‑effective housing.

The apartment mix has been tailored to meet varied housing needs, and the layout aims to support a healthy, well‑connected community with safe pedestrian and cycling links throughout.

Homes will be energy‑efficient and benefit from strong transport connections, including proximity to the Luas Green Line and easy access to the N11 and M50. Cherrywood also offers scenic walking routes and Tully Park, a 9‑hectare public amenity providing a range of recreational facilities.

Under the partnership, Evara will manage all stages of delivery. Construction has begun and the development is scheduled to finish in 2028.

Evara is currently the most active developer in Cherrywood, with 655 homes on site across seven neighbourhoods and a further 430 apartments due to start in the coming months.

The company is expanding collaborations with state bodies, including local authorities, Approved Housing Bodies and the Land Development Agency (LDA), to accelerate housing delivery in new communities.

Recent projects include 392 cost‑rental homes for the LDA at The Crossings in Adamstown, and an 80‑home apartment building at St Helen's Plaza in Adamstown for Tuath Housing, which is nearing completion. Evara has also worked with Oaklee on an age‑friendly development at Somerton in Lucan and delivered 184 cost‑rental and social homes for Oaklee at The Crossings in Adamstown.

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Evara's growth is underpinned by backing from global investment firm TPG. The business is investing €2 billion to deliver more than 7,000 new homes over the next five years, having already completed over 3,000 in the Greater Dublin Area, and is targeting an annual output of 1,500 homes.

Supported by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, DLR is using its Competitive Dialogue process to work with developers and landowners on practical, deliverable schemes.

Planning permission for 146 homes on the Grand Parade Place site was granted in 2022. The design was subsequently refined through the Competitive Dialogue process to improve efficiency, increasing the yield to 205 homes.

An Cathaoirleach, Cllr. Jim Gildea, of Dún Laoghaire‑Rathdown County Council, said: "The signing of these contracts represents an important step forward in addressing housing need across our county. This development will deliver high‑quality, well‑designed social homes in a strategic location, close to public transport and essential services. Grand Parade Place demonstrates how innovative procurement approaches, such as the Competitive Dialogue process, can help maximise the use of public land and deliver real benefits for our communities."

Michael Hynes, Chief Executive Officer of Evara, said: "We are excited to partner with Dún Laoghaire‑Rathdown County Council on the delivery of over 200 homes at Grand Parade Place. Cherrywood is a key location for Evara, and we are actively engaged in ensuring this developing suburb features a mix of housing types and tenures, alongside excellent transport links, community facilities and amenities. Grand Parade Place will be completed to the highest standards, providing residents with sustainable and modern apartment living in a well‑served and vibrant new community.

"This project marks Evara's first collaboration with Dún Laoghaire‑Rathdown County Council under the Competitive Dialogue process, and we believe it sets a strong foundation for further partnership in the future. We look forward to delivering this project together."

Frank Curran, Chief Executive of Dún Laoghaire‑Rathdown County Council, said: "This project highlights the Council's commitment to delivering sustainable and affordable homes through strong partnership working. By refining the original scheme through the Competitive Dialogue process, we have been able to significantly increase the number of homes delivered on this site, while maintaining high design and environmental standards. Developments such as Grand Parade Place are central to meeting housing demand and supporting the creation of connected and liveable neighbourhoods."

The Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne T.D., said: "The signing of contracts for the Grand Parade Place development in Cherrywood represents a significant advancement in the delivery of social housing within Dún Laoghaire‑Rathdown. With significant financial support from my Department, this development will provide 205 high‑quality social homes for individuals and families most in need. These homes will contribute to the creation of a sustainable, well‑integrated community.

"Under the Housing Action Plan, 'Delivering Homes, Building Communities 2025–2030', this Government plans to significantly increase the number of new social homes built each year. Through initiatives such as this from Dún Laoghaire‑Rathdown County Council, we are reaffirming our commitment to expanding housing provision and fostering vibrant, inclusive communities."