Planning Approval for Santry Cost-Rental Homes Draws 7,200 Applicants
The overwhelming demand for affordable housing is clear as 7,200 applicants vie for just 161 new cost-rental homes in Santry, Dublin, following recent planning permission approval.
The Santry development is part of a significant housing scheme by Tuath Housing, delivering cost-rental homes with rents set around 30% below typical market rates, exceeding the minimum 25% discount usually offered. This reflects the urgent need for sustainable, affordable housing in Dublin’s competitive rental market. Tuath Housing expects to provide nearly 2,300 new social and cost-rental homes nationwide this year, working towards a total exceeding 7,000 over three years.
These homes meet strict environmental impact standards, with 82% designed to either Nearly Zero Energy Building (NZEB) or Building Energy Rating A2 standards, enhancing energy efficiency across the housing stock. Older properties are receiving retrofits to reduce emissions and energy costs, although challenges remain, particularly in upgrading apartments managed by owner management companies. The project’s planning permission helped to confirm its compliance with sustainable building requirements, avoiding issues such as flood-risk development or material contravention in the design.
Minister for Housing James Browne highlighted the importance of such developments, emphasizing plans to make sustainable housing the norm rather than the exception. As building materials and skills progress, construction costs for environmentally friendly homes are expected to decrease, providing long-term social and environmental benefits. The government is keen on accelerating approvals like these to meet growing housing demands and sustainability targets across Ireland.
This recent An Bord Pleanála decision approving the Santry scheme is a notable step forward in addressing Dublin’s housing crisis. It balances the urgent need for more affordable homes while ensuring rigorous planning permission standards are met. Consideration of environmental factors throughout the approval process underscores Ireland’s commitment to sustainable urban development.
Tuath’s ambitious goals for expanding affordable housing coincide with broader national housing targets. The government aims to increase total housing output annually, moving beyond previous shortfalls and nurturing public-private partnerships to enhance delivery. The Santry project exemplifies the kind of housing scheme approval required to meet these future targets, offering secure leases below market rents without compromising environmental impact or planning standards.
As the planning permission process continues to evolve in Ireland, developments like Santry will be closely watched as models that integrate social, environmental, and economic objectives. The demand reflected by 7,200 applications highlights the critical shortage of affordable rental homes and the crucial role of cost-rental housing in filling this gap.
Originally reported in on Fri, 21 Nov 2025 09:21:42 +0000. Full story
