Minister James Browne TD has officially opened Crokers Hill, Kilkenny County Council’s largest social housing scheme to date, delivering 88 energy-efficient homes on a 2.34-hectare site at Kennyswell Road with more than €35 million in Government support.

He marked the completion of the landmark project that turns a former brownfield site into a compact, sustainable urban neighbourhood. Led by the Council's Housing Capital Team with van Dijk Architects, Hayes Higgins Partnership, McGann Surveyors and Ormonde Construction Ltd, the development combines high-quality homes with the services and infrastructure needed for community life.

The scheme has been designed around accessibility, sustainability and integration, illustrating how well-planned social housing can foster inclusive, resilient neighbourhoods while advancing compact growth objectives for the city.

Crokers Hill has already been recognised nationally, winning Public Sector Residential / Housing Project of the Year at the Irish Building & Design Awards 2026 and the Architectural Design Excellence Award (Project Value Over €20 Million) at the Irish Construction Excellence Awards 2026.

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To mark the occasion, the Minister planted a ceremonial tree, toured the development and visited the on-site Group Home.

Speaking at the launch, Minister Browne TD, said: "It is a real pleasure to be here in Kilkenny today to see first-hand the kind of development we need to deliver right across the country. Crokers Hill demonstrates how high-density, energy-efficient housing, combined with strong community infrastructure, can create vibrant and sustainable neighbourhoods where people and families can thrive. Supported by an overall Government investment of more than €35 million, this project shows what can be achieved when ambition, partnership and long-term planning come together to deliver real results for local communities. This development is about far more than bricks and mortar. It is about building communities, creating opportunities, and fostering a strong sense of belonging. Facilities such as the community centre will play a vital role in bringing people together and supporting social inclusion for years to come.

"Kilkenny County Council deserves tremendous credit for its vision, innovation and commitment in bringing this outstanding project to fruition. This is exactly the type of high-quality development I want to see delivered by local authorities across the country, and I am determined to continue supporting and driving the delivery of similar housing projects that provide not just homes but thriving communities."

A key pillar of the project is inclusivity. More than 21% of homes are built to Universal Design standards to ensure they are accessible and adaptable for people at different life stages, including older residents and those with disabilities. The scheme also features a purpose-built Group Home, managed by Aurora Disability Services, supporting independent living for people transitioning from congregated settings under the national decongregation programme.

Community facilities are central to the layout. The development’s Community Centre, leased to the Thomas Hayes Trust, is already operating as a hub for resident engagement, support services and local activities, strengthening connections both within Crokers Hill and with the wider Kennyswell Road area. An active residents’ committee is in place and coordinating events to build cohesion.