The first new homes from a new development in Co Kildare, delivered by the Land Development Agency and Kildare County Council, has today been officially launched.
The development at Barracksfield West in Naas will provide a total of 219 affordable homes.
Built by Andrews Construction, the homes are a mix of terraced houses, duplexes and apartments. The full development includes 42 three-bed houses and 177 apartments and duplexes.
The Barracksfield West homes will be made available through an Affordable Purchase, Cost Rental or Social scheme.
The first phase of the development includes 42 three-bed houses, 12 two-bed duplexes and 12 one-bed apartments.
The 66 homes launched today will be made available to eligible buyers through the Local Authority Affordable Purchase Scheme, which is managed jointly by KCC and the LDA.
Applications will be accepted via an online portal which will go live from Wednesday 26 November at 10am.
With the application of government supports and equity contributions, prices for the affordable purchase homes start from €243,477 for one-bed apartments; €292,933 for two-bed duplexes and €365,216 for three-bed houses.
The Local Authority Affordable Purchase Scheme enables eligible buyers to bridge the gap between the price of the home and the amount of personal funds and mortgage available to them.
The scheme involves a shared equity arrangement, which effectively lowers the upfront cost and enables KCC to hold an equity interest in the property until it is repaid or the house is sold.
The remaining 153 homes will be made available next year.
John Coleman, chief executive of the LDA, said that Barracksfield West is the agency's first major direct delivery project outside of Dublin.
"Our team is firmly committed to playing a leading role in addressing the country's housing need and Barracksfield West is a great example of how we will achieve this," he said.
Carmel Kelly, Cathaoirleach of Kildare County Council, said, today marked a very exciting day for Kildare, especially for the people of Naas and the surrounding area.
"Barracksfield West is a wonderful development that will breathe new life into Naas town through its quality housing, amenities and excellent location," she added.
Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage James Browne said the new high quality, A-rated and affordable homes are evidence of what can be achieved by State-delivered housing for people across Ireland.
"The delivery of homes across all tenure types will be through the individual and collective effort of key delivery partners like local authorities here in Kildare County Council and the LDA," he said.
He said developments such as these are precisely what will be accelerated by the Government's newly launched action plan.
"These homes represent the provision of stable, long-term accommodation options, offering security to those looking to either buy a home or secure a reliable rental property," the Minister added.
