Taoiseach Micheál Martin, joined by Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage James Browne TD and the Cathaoirleach of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown, Cllr Barry Saul, has marked the beginning of construction at Dún Brí in Dundrum, Dublin 14.

The scheme, a partnership between the Land Development Agency (LDA) and Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council (DLRCC), will deliver 934 A-rated homes across two stages on the former Central Mental Hospital site. John Paul Construction is the main contractor, with Phase 1 comprising apartments alongside a new crèche, retail units and a restaurant.

The initial phase will include 203 one-bed, 300 two-bed and 44 three-bed apartments, each with a balcony or terrace.

Beyond housing, the masterplan provides a café and retail spaces, a new community park, extensive landscaping, restored walled gardens and a civic plaza, creating a mixed-use neighbourhood at the heart of Dundrum.

Phase 2 will add a community centre with indoor sports amenities and a medical centre.

The layout has been designed to improve permeability through the site, with an active travel corridor enabling cyclists to cross safely and better connect with surrounding streets.

Dún Brí benefits from strong public transport links, including the Windy Arbour Luas stop approximately 400 metres away and multiple Dublin Bus routes, and it is a short distance from the M50 at Junction 13.

The project places emphasis on conserving the site's heritage, retaining and repurposing historic buildings, protecting mature trees and enhancing biodiversity in green spaces.

Cathaoirleach of Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council, Cllr Barry Saul said: "This is a great day for the people of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown. For many years this site has been closed off to the public, but today we celebrate the start of construction on a development that will greatly benefit current and future residents.

"This is exactly the sort of development we need in the county. The amenities, facilities and green space will have huge benefits for those who will call Dún Brí home, and for the residents in the surrounding area.

"Through our partnership with the Land Development Agency, we are creating a sustainable, well-connected community that will provide much-needed homes, while opening up this historic site for the benefit of everyone. I look forward to seeing Dún Brí develop over the coming years into a thriving neighbourhood that will make a lasting contribution to the area."

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Speaking at the event, Taoiseach, Micheál Martin said: "This is truly a landmark day for the LDA, Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council, and the people of Dundrum. What was once hidden behind the walls of the former hospital is now being transformed into a new community.

"This development really speaks to what's possible when ambition, cooperation and vision come together. Thanks to the determination of the LDA and the local authority, more than 900 homes and brand new facilities will soon be delivered at this fantastic site. Meeting our country's housing need is my Government's top priority, and developments such as Dún Brí will greatly enhance the supply of homes and much needed amenities in this area."

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne TD added: "I am delighted to be here in Dundrum today to mark the start of construction on a significant new housing development. These high-quality, A-rated homes are evidence of what can be achieved by the State, on State land, for people across Ireland and to be honest I want to see more of it.

"Under the Government's Housing Action Plan, Delivering Homes, Building Communities, I am backing ambition.

"I am greatly encouraged by the growing momentum we are seeing in the delivery of homes across the country. We know that we need to deliver more homes across all tenure types to meet our changing needs and to do this we have to work in partnership. Key delivery partners like local authorities and the LDA are critical to pace and scale.

"While significant progress is being made, we must keep pushing forward. I am determined to maintain this momentum and ensure we continue to accelerate housing delivery across all tenures."

Minister of State for Planning and Local Government, John Cummins TD said: "Today marks an important milestone for Dundrum as we turn the sod on the delivery of over 900 new homes, alongside community services. This is about more than building houses; it is about creating a sustainable, well-connected community where people and families can put down roots and thrive. The scale of this development will make a significant contribution to housing supply in the area, while the delivery of essential community infrastructure alongside these homes will help ensure that Dundrum has the services and amenities needed to support a growing population. I am delighted to be here today to mark the beginning of this project and come back when it's complete and people are getting the keys to their homes."

John Coleman, Chief Executive of the LDA said: "This is a proud day for the LDA. We have been working alongside our partners in Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council (DLR) for many years to bring our plans for Dún Brí from blueprint to brickwork, and turning the sod here today is a genuine achievement.

"This development will not only create a new community at Dún Brí, it will also enhance the lives of those living in the neighbouring areas, with new facilities and improved access to Dundrum through the grounds. For the first time in its history, the local community can now look forward to the day they can access these lands and enjoy the landscape and mature environment we see around us today.

"I would like to thank Taoiseach and Minister Browne for being here today and for the Government's support of the LDA's ambitions as we ramp up our activity and delivery across the country.

"I would also like to thank the teams at the LDA, DLR and our construction partners, John Paul Construction, who will deliver this fantastic development over the coming years."

Frank Curran, Chief Executive, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council said: "I am delighted to attend the launch of such an exciting development in the heart of Dundrum.

"We are all extremely proud of the quality of the homes and amenities that will make Dún Brí a community that its residents will be proud to call home.

"By maximising our public land for residential development, we can bring new energy and life into strong communities like Dundrum."