OPW to swap Dublin city site for 215 affordable homes

The Office of Public Works has swapped a site of less than an acre in central Dublin for 215 affordable homes on the outskirts of the city.

The deal is the latest to result from a government initiative offering developers prime city-centre sites in Dublin in return for affordable homes in the suburbs.

Under the agreement, Durkan New Homes will receive a 0.87 acre site on Harcourt Terrace in return for building 215 affordable homes at seven developments in Lucan, Tallaght, Citywest, Clondalkin and Rathcoole.

The houses will be sold for between €165,000 and €235,000 to affordable housing applicants approved by South Dublin County Council.

Three such swap deals have now been agreed with developers, with 500 affordable homes due to be built as part of the schemes.