Co-operative Housing Ireland (CHI) has launched 40 completed new homes at Forthview, Wexford and emphasised to visiting Minister for Housing James Browne the key role of approved housing bodies (AHBs) in meeting social housing needs.
The homes were delivered in partnership with Wexford County Council and the Department of Housing, Housing Finance Agency and developer Darragh Ryan.
Speaking at the launch, Gerry McDonogh, Chairperson, CHI, thanked Minister Browne, emphasising the strong partnership CHI has with his department and the need for funding to increase to keep pace and to deliver more social housing:
“To enable Co-operative Housing Ireland and AHBs to keep pace with current delivery targets – even before any revision – increased funding, a proportion in the form of grants, is required. As it stands, 10,000 new social homes are to be provided in 2025, half of which will be by AHBs. The Programme for Government and future targets should see this increase to an average of 12,000-20,000 year on year to 2030.
“This development is a testament to the strength of cooperative housing and the importance of collaboration in delivering homes that meet the needs of communities, and we want to do more. We are delighted to welcome families into their new homes here in Forthview.”
Minister Browne said: “I am pleased to see these much-needed homes here in Forthview, Wexford today. This project has been enabled by funding from my department’s Capital Advance Leasing facility and reflects the strong state and voluntary sector collaboration needed to make these projects happen. I would like to commend Co-operative Housing Ireland, Wexford County Council, the Housing Finance Agency and the Housing Agency for working together to deliver these homes.
“I want to see many more projects like this. The government, through an unprecedented level of state investment, is now scaling up and delivering more social and affordable homes than we have in a generation and aims to provide even more. You can see the difference these projects make here today. Well-located, high-quality homes such as Forthview make a real difference in the lives of families, individuals and communities – it is for this reason we are committed to working in partnership to build on the momentum of Housing For All.”
AHBs continue to be a key part of Ireland’s housing solution, delivering over half of all new social homes last year. Their role has become even more important as private sector investment in apartment construction has slowed, particularly following a retreat of overseas investment since 2021. By stepping in to fund and develop homes, AHBs are ensuring that much-needed housing continues to be built, providing stability and security for individuals and families across the country.
54% of households in Ireland cannot afford to rent without assistance, highlighting the essential role of social and cost-rental housing. Housing charities like CHI and other AHBs provide homes that remain affordable for generations, offering long-term security instead of contributing to market fluctuations.