Unique Limerick housing scheme is a ‘step in the right direction’

A MAJOR step towards meeting housing demand in Limerick has been marked with the delivery of a new housing project.

The new development is part of a significant partnership between Focus Housing Association (FHA) in partnership with Limerick City and County Council at Bru na Gruadan, Castletroy.

This is one of the first housing projects in the region to reflect Limerick Council's new ‘mixed tenure’ policy, blending social housing with affordable purchase and rightsizing opportunities.

Of the 63 homes in the overall development, FHA has acquired 37 units - comprising five one-bedroom and 32 two-bedroom homes. The remaining 26 homes are being made available for affordable purchase through the Council’s Affordable Housing Fund.

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The development also supports their rightsizing scheme, aimed at helping older homeowners who wish to downsize. Through the scheme, qualifying residents can sell their larger homes, make a financial contribution to the Council, and become eligible for social housing. Those who take up this option move into homes like those in Bru na Gruadan and become tenants of FHA, paying a differential rent like all other FHA tenants.

Mayor John Moran visited the new housing development last Wednesday and said: “This is a good day for more families in Limerick. Developments like Bru na Gruadan represent yet another step in the right direction in bringing people together in inclusive, well-designed communities.

“Each building block, each house and each development is about creating places where individuals, couples and families can thrive. This is a modest step compared to the scale of the mountain we have to climb, but an important one for the future residents of Bru na Gruadan,” Mayor Moran continued.

“We need to continue to build on this momentum... and never accept anything less than progress.”
Pat Dennigan, CEO of Focus Ireland, highlighted the broader significance of the project, saying: “We believe that everyone has the right to a place they can call home. This development isn’t just about providing shelter - it’s about building a better future and strengthening the fabric of our communities.

“Bru na Gruadan is a shining example of our Meascán model, where mixed-income communities and inclusive living are at the heart of what we do,” he added.

Through its current five-year strategy, FHA has already added over 600 homes and plans to deliver an additional 1,150.