Land Development Agency lodges plan for 285 affordable homes in Limerick

The proposed plans at The Gasworks on the Dock Road are to be developed on land being acquired by the agency from Gas Networks Ireland. Picture: Land Development Agency

The Land Development Agency (LDA) has submitted planning for 285 new affordable homes in Limerick.

The proposed plans at The Gasworks on the Dock Road are to be developed on land being acquired by the agency from Gas Networks Ireland (GNI).

The development will include 142 one-bed, 127 two-bed and 16 three-bed apartments across three blocks ranging from one to eight storeys, as well as a new public plaza, landscaped gardens, communal spaces, play areas, retail units and a childcare facility.

The development will include 142 one-bed, 127 two-bed and 16 three-bed apartments across three blocks ranging from one to eight storeys, as well as a new public plaza, landscaped gardens, communal spaces, play areas, retail units and a childcare facility. Picture: Land Development Agency

If approved, construction would begin on site in 2027.

It comes as the LDA delivered 81 new homes earlier this year at cost rental prices of less than €1,000 per month at The Mills in Castletroy.

Chief executive of the LDA, John Coleman, said the project in a prime location near the city centre has the capacity to “revitalise the area” with “much-needed affordable” homes.

Picture: Land Development Agency

Mr Coleman added: “I want to recognise the ongoing collaboration between the LDA and Gas Networks Ireland, as we collectively seek solutions to accelerate housing delivery.”

Acting CEO of Gas Networks Ireland, Ronan Galwey said: “Gas Networks Ireland is proud to support the LDA in addressing the critical challenge of affordable housing. 

"The Limerick site is a prime example of how state bodies can work in partnership with the LDA to unlock the potential of public land for the benefit of communities.”

Limerick mayor, John Moran, said: “The early stages of this project date back to my own time as Chair of the LDA. I’ve long believed in the potential of the Docklands to better serve the public good by unlocking lands for housing. It is heartening to see a project there reach a key milestone even if there is still a way to go.

Mr Moran added that the 285 potential new homes on “such a strategic” site would be another piece of the “large jigsaw” regarding housing and infrastructure projects being developed across Limerick city and county.

“I do not want to minimise the scale of the challenge to catch up on the build-up of deficits in housing delivery over recent years, but moving forward is critical.

“Delivering housing in Limerick has been, is and will continue to be my number one priority. This site, along with other lDA lands, is now monitored by the new governance arrangements we have put in place since last June to speed up delivery,” Mr Moran said.