Co-operative Housing Ireland Launches 79 New A-Rated Homes in Kilmainham

New development highlights urgent need for one and two-bedroom homes for single people and older tenants, delivered through partnership between Co-operative Housing Ireland, Dublin City Council, and the Department of Housing.

Co-operative Housing Ireland, yesterday officially opened 79 new energy-efficient A-rated apartments at Brookfield Heights, Kilmainham, Dublin 8.

The development was formally launched by Lord Mayor of Dublin, Councillor Ray McAdam, and Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne TD, alongside Co-operative Housing Ireland Chairperson Gerry McDonogh, colleagues from Dublin City Council, project partners, and new Member Tenants.

Both the Lord Mayor and the Minister addressed guests at the event, commending the collaboration behind the project and the role of Co-operative Housing Ireland in delivering high-quality, affordable homes across the city.

Following the ribbon-cutting, they met with new residents, including Kathleen, who recently moved into her apartment at Brookfield Heights.

Developed in partnership with Dublin City Council, the Department of Housing, the Housing Finance Agency, the Housing Agency, and Kavco Group, Brookfield Heights represents genuine partnership, co-operation, and community – the values that define everything Co-operative Housing Ireland does.

“What we see around us is much more than bricks and mortar. It’s the result of partnership, co-operation, and community – the values that define everything we do at Co-operative Housing Ireland,” said Gerry McDonogh, Chairperson of Co-operative Housing Ireland.

Each home is A-rated for energy efficiency, combining modern design with affordability and long-term comfort. The development brings the total number of people living in Co-operative Housing Ireland homes nationwide to more than 17,440.

Meeting Real Housing Needs

Brookfield Heights responds directly to one of Dublin’s biggest challenges – the shortage of homes for smaller households: single people, couples, and older residents.

“Projects like Brookfield Heights show what can be achieved when ambition meets partnership – public, private, and co-operative sectors aligned in purpose to deliver homes that meet real community needs,” said Gerry McDonogh.

Almost half of those on housing waiting lists are single-person households, highlighting the real need for one-bed homes. This development helps bridge that gap while also supporting older tenants who want to right-size into comfortable, energy-efficient apartments, freeing up larger family homes elsewhere.

“That’s smart, sustainable housing policy in action.”

Homes That Change Lives

Behind the delivery targets are people like Brian and Kathleen, whose stories show what security really means – a civil servant who waited twenty years for a place of his own, and a mother of six who’s found greater independence in a bright, energy-efficient home.

“That’s what we’re building towards: security, stability and community – homes that give people not just a roof over their head, but the ability to live, work and grow with confidence,” said Mr McDonogh.

Eoin Carroll, Director of Corporate Services at Co-operative Housing Ireland, said:

“We’re housing working people who have struggled to find secure accommodation, and older Member Tenants who’ve right-sized into warm, accessible homes. Every new key handed over here represents a person moving from uncertainty to security. Providing smaller, high-quality homes allows people to right-size with dignity. That creates movement in the system – freeing up family homes and using Ireland’s housing stock more efficiently.”

Building for the Future

Across Ireland, Approved Housing Bodies now deliver about half of all new social homes. Co-operative Housing Ireland has grown by nearly seventy per cent in the past five years and now manages over 6,200 homes in 24 counties.

“To keep the pipeline strong, we need a sustainable mix of finance, including grant funding alongside borrowing. That will protect the financial health of the sector and ensure continued delivery in every county,” said Mr McDonogh.

Every home at Brookfield Heights meets the highest energy standards and is designed for long-term affordability.

“Sustainability isn’t an add-on for Co-operative Housing Ireland – it’s part of how we build for the future. It underpins every decision we make, from design to delivery, ensuring homes remain affordable, efficient, and resilient for decades ahead.”

Kathleen Welcomes Lord Mayor, Councillor Ray McAdam, in for Cake!

Kathleen raised six children in her home in Ballymun, but when they moved on, she felt it was time to leave her four-bed home to a family who needed it. She applied for social housing and secured her new home through Co-operative Housing Ireland.

Now happily settled in Kilmainham, Kathleen has decorated her apartment herself and says she finally has “peace of mind and a place to call my own.”

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Pictured:

Image 1: Kathleen enjoying a cuppa and some cake with the Lord Mayor of Dublin, Councillor Ray McAdam, and Gerry McDonogh, Chairperson of Co-operative Housing Ireland, in her new apartment at Brookfield Heights.

Image 2: Kieron Brennan, CEO of Co-operative Housing Ireland, pictured with Musammat and her baby, alongside Sarah Flynn, Neighbourhood Specialist.

Image 3: Cutting the ribbon at Brookfield Heights — Sarah Flynn and Kathleen are joined by Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne TD, the Lord Mayor of Dublin, Councillor Ray McAdam,and Co-operative Housing Ireland Chairperson and Gerry McDonogh.

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