Council update on housing progress
Waterford city. Photo: Joe Evans
At September’s Plenary Council meeting, Director of Services for Housing, Seamus De Faoite updated the elected members on the state of housing development in Waterford.
Mr. De Faoite said that Waterford City and County Council has exceeded its recent social and affordable housing targets by 12.5%, providing 1,328 social housing units and 248 affordable housing units across the city and count.
Social housing developments completed since the introduction of the national Housing for All plan in 2022, include An Garrán in Tramore, Gorse Hill Ballygunner, The Lodges Ferrybank, and Sally Court in Ballytruckle, with construction ongoing on social housing developments at Shandon in Dungarvan and Kilmacthomas.
Affordable housing delivery in Waterford has surpassed its target of delivery of 72 units, with 248 units completed to date, including developments in Slí na Coille and Strand Hill in Tramore, and Foxwood, Summerfields and Mount Neil in the city.
22% of all houses delivered in Waterford between 2022 and 2025 being affordable/cost rental, this figure represents the fourth highest delivery by a local authority.
94 age-friendly units have been completed since 2022 to Q2 2026, with a further 40 units expected to be completed by the end of this year.
Additionally, Waterford City and County Council provided 195 accessible housing units.
The Croí Cónaithe Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant (VPRG) Scheme, is a grant available to property owners who intend to refurbish a vacant property and turn it into a permanent home. Waterford City and County Council has paid out over €7.7m to bring back into use 143 formerly vacant properties as homes for families.
Seamus De Faoite, Director of Services with Waterford City and County Council said, “Housing remains a key priority for the Council. We are committed to providing a diverse range of housing types to meet the broad range of housing needs across our communities, from individuals and couples, to growing families and older people, while also providing inclusive living through accessible design.
“With more than 800 housing commencements so far this year, the Council remains steadfast in its housing delivery and supporting the sustainable growth and enhancement of communities across Waterford.”
(Funded by the Local Democracy Scheme)
