Department approves 19 affordable houses for rural Waterford

Approval has been issued to Waterford City and County Council from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage for nine three-bed units in Crooke and 10 units (five three-bed units and five four-bed units) in Kilmacthomas, starting at €300,000. 

The schemes will be delivered in partnership with Carey Homes and Kent Homes respectively.

The Affordable Purchase Scheme is open to first-time buyers or those who qualify for the ‘Fresh Start Principle’ and who no longer have a stake in a property. Under this scheme, an equity stake of up to €75,000 can be taken in the property. The equity stake can be purchased at a future point in time if the owner chooses to do so.

Minister Cummins indicated that he was open to receiving further applications from Waterford City and County Council.

“These two schemes are amongst the first affordable schemes that will be delivered nationally in smaller rural settlements. 

"As a Council, Waterford has led the way in delivering multiple schemes in Waterford City and Tramore, but I know there is a desire to build on the approval of these two schemes in Kilmacthomas and Crooke with schemes in Ardmore and Dungarvan. 

“As a Minister in the Department of Housing, my priority is building on the 724 housing units that were completed in Waterford last year. We do have a strong pipeline for delivery across 2026 and 2027, which is very encouraging."

According to Minister Cummins, a couple both earning €33,750 (or €16.22 per hour assuming they work 40 hours per week) would be able to afford a €300,000 home using this scheme.