€50m in funding to enable delivery of almost 4,000 homes in Limerick

MILLIONS of euro in funding is being made available to progress the building of almost 4,000 homes across Limerick.

The cash is coming from Housing Infrastructure Investment Funding (HFIF), which will also provide the potential for more than 6,800 homes on key sites across the city.

HIIF provides targeted funding to support enabling infrastructure such as roads, water services, and utilities needed to unlock housing development.

It is designed to accelerate the delivery of housing by reducing upfront infrastructure barriers and improving the viability of key sites.

Limerick City and County Council applied to Government for the funding, and was granted it for a number of developments.

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Some 687 housing units are planned in Mungret, with the council teaming up with the Land Development Agency.

The infrastructure project is expected to cost less than €10m.

Housing development at the Colbert Quarter, on the doorstep of Limerick bus and rail station falls is expected to cost between €10m and €20m.

This will help in the delivery of 939 units.

A total of 1,109 new homes will be possible along the new Castletroy Link Road. That’s after was given between €10m and €20m.

Some 550 units are likely to be possible at Toppin’s Field on the southside of Limerick, with this project falling within the Government’s sub-€10m funding band.

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Additionally, the Land Development Agency has been awarded funding of up to €20m to directly provide 600 residential units.

Council has also provided details of hundreds more homes in the above areas which it says the funding will “indirectly” unlock access to.

But there’s no guarantee these will be delivered. Indirect allocation refers to additional homes which may become possible as a knock-on effect of the funding. But more money will need to be found from elsewhere to bring these to fruition.

Mayor John Moran said: “This funding is a significant vote of confidence in Limerick’s ambition and our ability to deliver housing. Since becoming mayor, I have made it my priority to work closely with Government to ensure Limerick secures the investment needed to unlock new homes at scale. While that work continues, these important projects that have now been unlocked will remove key infrastructure barriers and create the conditions for development of thousands of homes for people in Limerick. I welcome the Government’s support and look forward to continuing our strong engagement to accelerate housing delivery and meet the needs of our growing population in Limerick.”

Príomh Chomhairleoir, Cllr Catherine Slattery added: “This funding is great news for Limerick as it moves us closer to delivering thousands of much-needed homes for families in strategic, well-serviced locations. The investment will help unlock key sites, improve supporting infrastructure and create the conditions needed for long-term housing growth.”

Director general of Limerick City and County Council, Dr Pat Daly added: “This is a very welcome injection of funding into Limerick, providing the catalyst needed to push on with delivering thousands of homes across the city and county. These projects will support the creation of new communities while helping us meet housing demand and delivering sustainable and well-connected neighbourhoods. We look forward to working with our partners and Government to maximise the impact of this investment for the people of Limerick.”

Council were not successful with all its funding applications, and these will be resubmitted in the hope money is made available for these next time round.