The Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne, has officially launched the first new homes at Barracksfield West, Naas, Co Kildare.

The new development, delivered by the Land Development Agency (LDA) and Kildare County Council (KCC), will provide 219 much-needed affordable homes. Built by Andrews Construction, the homes are a mix of terraced houses, duplexes and apartments.

The full development includes 42 three-bed houses and 177 apartments and duplexes. All Barracksfield West homes will be made available through an Affordable Purchase, Cost Rental or Social scheme.

The first phase of the development includes 42 three-bed houses, 12 two-bed duplexes and 12 one-bed apartments.

All of the three-bed houses will have gardens, while the apartments will feature balconies or terraces.

Barracksfield West is located on John Devoy Road to the southwest of Naas town centre, and the development is well serviced by transport links to Dublin city centre and surrounding towns. It is well situated with easy access to the M7 and M9 motorways.

Upon completion, the development will include significant open communal areas, bicycle spaces and a crèche.

Speaking at the event, Minister Browne said, ‘I am delighted to be in Naas to mark the launch of the first homes in this fantastic new housing development. These high-quality, A-rated and affordable homes are evidence of what can be achieved by state-delivered housing for people across Ireland. The delivery of homes across all tenure types will be through the individual and collective effort of key delivery partners like local authorities here in Kildare County Council and the LDA. I want to back ambition as part of the ‘Delivering Homes, Building Communities’ housing action plan.”

John Coleman, Chief Executive of the LDA, said, ‘This is a proud day for the LDA. Barracksfield West is our first major direct delivery project outside of Dublin, and it is wonderful to see these new homes, in a great location, being made available.

“I would like to thank Minister Browne for being here today and the government for its support of the LDA’s ambitions as we ramp up our activity and delivery across the country.

“I would also like to thank the teams at the LDA, Kildare County Council and our construction partners, Andrews Construction, for their hard work and collaboration on this fantastic development.”