Dublin City Council has commenced construction on 102 new social homes for older people at St Anne's Court in Raheny, following a sod-turning ceremony on 27 October 2026 led by the Lord Mayor of Dublin Daryl Barron. Minister of State for Older People & Housing Kieran O'Donnell T.D. attended to mark the milestone.

The redevelopment will deliver 102 one-bedroom apartments, made up of 96 Universal Design units and six Universal Design Plus units. The scheme includes a community room, a secure landscaped courtyard, and high-quality public and private open spaces to support independent living and foster community connections.

Replacing the former St Anne's Court — 61 older persons' bedsits across five two-storey blocks — the project will significantly increase both the number and standard of homes provided while maintaining the site's long-established role in housing older residents.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Lord Mayor of Dublin Daryl Barron said: "Today's turning of the sod represents much more than the beginning of a construction project. It is a commitment to providing high-quality homes where older people can live independently, comfortably and with dignity. St Anne's Court will provide 102 new homes designed around the needs of older people, while allowing residents to remain connected to an established community here in Raheny.

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"Behind every new front door will be a person making a home, maintaining their independence and continuing to be part of the neighbourhood around them. I look forward to seeing St Anne's Court take shape and, most importantly, to the day when we welcome residents into their new homes."

Minister of State for Older People & Housing, Kieran O'Donnell T.D. said: "I am pleased to mark this important milestone at St Anne's Court. The 102 new Age-friendly homes being delivered here, are a strong example of how housing can respond to people's needs as they change over time. Having the right home in the right location can make an enormous difference to an older person's independence, wellbeing and quality of life.

"St Anne's Court will provide not just new homes, but an environment where older people can remain connected to their neighbours, families and wider community. I welcome the progress being made and the focus on supporting older people to live well and independently in their communities.

"I wish to commend Dublin City Council and project partners for their work on this housing project for older persons, which when completed, will have a positive impact on residents and the wider community for many years to come."

Councillor Deirdre Heney, Chairperson, Dublin City Council Housing and Social Inclusion Strategic Policy Committee, said: "The redevelopment of St Anne's Court is an important example of how Dublin City Council can use its existing land to deliver more homes while responding to the particular housing needs of older people. Providing the right type of housing can help older people remain independent and connected to the communities they know. The emphasis here on Universal Design, accessibility, communal space and a dedicated community facility will help create not simply new housing, but a welcoming and sustainable place to live. I am delighted to see this project reach the construction stage and look forward to seeing these 102 much-needed homes delivered for older people."

Situated at All Saints Park in Raheny, close to St Anne's Park and within an established residential area, the development comprises four residential blocks arranged around a central landscaped courtyard that will serve as the scheme's focal point.

The design team is led by Grafton Architects, supported by Arup, Brady Shipman Martin Landscape Architects and Austin Reddy & Company, with Purcell Construction Ltd appointed as the main contractor. Dublin City Council said the project is part of its wider programme to deliver high-quality social and age-friendly housing across the city.