This Wednesday, 24th of September, we officially opened 14 new social housing units at Carpenters Court in Arbour Hill in Dublin 7. We were delighted to be joined by Lord Mayor of Dublin Councillor Ray McAdam and Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage James Browne TD as we unveiled these 14 one-bedroom apartments in Dublin’s inner city, which will provide high-quality, long-term homes for people on Dublin City Council’s housing list. 

The development was constructed by Dublin Simon Community, sponsored by Dublin City Council and funded by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. We will undertake the management of the scheme, which is part of our housing delivery strategy, as an Approved Housing Body, which has delivered more than 330 housing units to date. This project represents our commitment to supporting residents to continue living independently in their own homes and communities. 

All apartments in this development are dual aspect, with living spaces arranged both to take advantage of orientation and to overlook the street in front. Ground floor apartments have own-door access, and an open space to the rear which adjoins the communal courtyard garden. Upper floor apartments provide private open space in the form of covered balconies. All units are A2 rated and employ innovative environmental and sustainable solutions for the ongoing management and operation of the development.   

Lord Mayor Councillor Ray McAdam said:  

“The opening of Carpenters Court is about more than bricks and mortar – it is about providing security, stability and dignity. These 14 new homes in the heart of Arbour Hill will allow single people and couples to put down roots in a thriving community. I commend Dublin Simon Community for its tireless work over more than 50 years, and I wish every success to the new tenants as they begin this exciting new chapter.” 

Minister for Housing James Browne TD said: 

“I am delighted to be here today to attend the opening of these much-needed new homes right in the heart of the city. One of my top priorities as Minister is to help people and families experiencing uncertain and precarious living situations to achieve the stability and security that comes with having your own home. 

“It’s important to remember that behind the numbers there are real people. Projects such as this highlight the success that is possible with a whole-of-Government approach to housing, and we will continue to do everything in our power across Government to provide high-quality, long-term homes for those on our housing waiting list. 

“I would like to commend the Dublin Simon Community, who do incredible work on the ground, along with Dublin City Council and those within my own Department for their collaborative efforts which are helping to revitalise this area of Arbour Hill.” 

CEO of Dublin Simon Community Catherine Kenny said: 

“Dublin Simon Community is delighted to officially launch these new social housing units today. With the country in the grips of a housing and homelessness crisis, every new home built is extremely important. Dublin Simon is proud to be able to hand over the keys of these apartments to the first of the new tenants today where a minimum of 14 people will be able to leave homelessness behind them. 

We have worked closely with Dublin City Council since 2016 to identify and supply this development as part of the city’s housing targets. We firmly believe that providing one-bedroom apartments is critical to meeting the demand that’s out there for housing. Dublin Simon looks forward to working on many more projects that deliver developments like this. We are delighted that we are currently working on similar projects in Dublin and Louth. Our aim is to create sustainable communities in places where people want to live, in the heart of their city or town, such as Carpenters Court, where we will soon see residents enjoying their new homes in the heart of Dublin’s city centre.”