Louth County Council welcomed Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne TD, to County Louth on Friday, 1 May, where he officially opened three social housing developments in Dundalk and Drogheda, delivering a combined 170 new social homes for communities across the county.
The developments, delivered directly by Louth County Council with funding support from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage under the Social Housing Capital Investment Programme (SHCIP), represent a significant milestone in the Council’s ongoing delivery of high-quality social housing.
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The Minister, who was joined by Minister of State for Older People and Housing, Kieran O’Donnell TD, began his visit in Dundalk, where he officially opened Phase 1 of Fulacht Fia, Mount Avenue, a major council-led housing development being constructed by OHMG Ltd.
When fully completed, Fulacht Fia will deliver 93 social housing units, comprising a mix of house types designed to meet the diverse needs of households in Dundalk. Phase 1 delivers 52 homes, which are now completed, with the remaining units due for delivery by year end. The development is being delivered using modern construction methods and forms part of Louth County Council’s direct-build programme.
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The Ministers then travelled to Drogheda for the official opening of Greenhills Grange, an age-friendly social housing scheme located on the Newtown Link Road.
Delivered under the Council’s Accelerated Delivery Programme, the development will provide 46 high-quality age-friendly social housing bungalows, designed to support older residents to live independently and safely within the community. The homes are being delivered by Cunningham Contracts Ltd, with construction having commenced in late 2024.
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The final stop on the Ministers’ visit was the official opening of Phase 2 of Boice Court, Mell, Drogheda.
Delivered by M&L Quinn, Phase 2 of Boice Court delivers 72 new social homes in total, including houses, apartments and duplex units, designed to accommodate families, older people and households with specific accessibility needs. The development was delivered in phases, with a number of homes already completed and occupied.
Welcoming both Minister James Browne TD and Minister of State, Kieran O’Donnell TD to Louth, Cllr Seán Kelly, Cathaoirleach of Louth County Council, said:
“Today’s openings clearly demonstrate Louth County Council’s commitment to delivering real, tangible housing solutions for our communities. These three developments showcase the breadth of our delivery, from family homes to age-friendly housing, and highlight the strong partnership between the Council and the Department in meeting the housing needs of people across Louth.”
Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne TD, commented:
“Today’s milestone highlights serious progress that can be achieved when Government works in close partnership with local authorities like Louth County Council who are driving on with housing.
“We want houses on plans to get off the paper and into foundations being laid.”
“As Minister I want to see an increase in the supply of high‑quality, sustainable housing of all types from social to private for people.
“To do this we have to embrace innovative delivery approaches and modern methods of construction.
“We have to back strong local leadership and councillors and our councils have to look at sites and see how can they get them moving.
“The delivery of homes supports communities at every stage of life from children having a safe and secure place to grow up, to people growing old in their own area near their neighbours, friends and supports.”
Minister of State for Older People and Housing, Kieran O’Donnell TD added:
“Age-friendly housing is a vital part of our overall housing strategy, enabling older people to live independently, safely and with dignity in their own communities. It is especially positive to see developments like Greenhills Grange, which includes 46 new homes, specifically designed to meet the needs of our older population.
“By providing high-quality, purpose-built homes in the community, we are ensuring that housing provision reflects the changing needs of our society. Initiatives like this are essential as we plan for the future and respond to an ageing population”.
David Conway, Chief Executive of Louth County Council, added:
“These developments show clearly that Louth County Council is delivering, and exceeding, its social housing commitments. With a strong pipeline of projects and a focus on modern construction methods, we are providing high‑quality, secure and sustainable homes for people across our towns and villages.
“I welcomed the opportunity to meet with the Ministers during their visit to Louth, not only to highlight what has been achieved, but also to discuss the very real challenges we face around planning, infrastructure and major capital projects. Through continued collaboration, open dialogue and the right support, we can overcome these challenges and unlock further opportunities to make Louth an even better place to live, work and play.”
Louth County Council continues to deliver social housing ahead of schedule. Under the Government’s Housing for All plan, the Council exceeded its social housing delivery target a full year early, delivering 1,608 new social homes by the end of 2025, 232 homes above target.
Momentum remains strong, with approximately 500 social housing units to be delivered in 2026 at which point Louth County Council will have exceeded its housing target by 770 units.
Representatives from the three contractors responsible for delivering the developments, M.L. Quinn Construction, OHMG Ltd and Cunningham Contracts Ltd also welcomed the official openings and reflected on their role in delivering high-quality social housing in Louth.
Caolan Quinn of M.L. Quinn Construction said:
“M.L. Quinn Construction is immensely proud and privileged to have been involved in the delivery of Boice Court Phase 2. The overall design and community driven approach are amongst the best that we have been involved with in all our years of business. We wish to thank Louth County Council and the design team for entrusting us in delivering such an impressive project.”
Seanie O’Hare of OHMG Ltd said:
“Fulacht Fia represents another important milestone in delivering high-quality, sustainable housing for the Dundalk community. As Main Contractor, OHMG is proud to be working in partnership with Louth County Council to deliver 52 much-needed new homes at Phase 1 of this development. It was a pleasure to welcome Ministers James Browne TD and Kieran O’Donnell TD to site on Friday to showcase the excellent progress being made by our project team and supply chain partners.
“This project reflects our continued commitment to delivering durable, energy-efficient homes while supporting local employment and investment within the region”.
Lisa Murtagh of Cunningham Contracts Ltd added:
"Cunningham is pleased to have delivered the Greenhills Grange development on behalf of Louth County Council. The project has been completed ahead of programme and within budget, demonstrating the strength of Cunningham’s operational delivery, robust project controls, and the collaborative approach adopted with the client and wider project team. This outcome reflects a clear focus on programme certainty, cost management, and the effective application of modern methods of construction.
“We acknowledge the contribution of our project team, design partners, and supply chain in achieving this successful outcome and value the continued partnership with Louth County Council."
