Major Housing Development Breaks Ground at Cherry Orchard
Construction has officially begun on the first phase of Cherry Orchard Point in Dublin 10, marking a major step forward in one of the city’s most significant new housing projects. The Lord Mayor of Dublin joined representatives from the Land Development Agency (LDA), Dublin City Council (DCC), and Minister of State Christopher O’Sullivan TD to launch the works. Phase 1 will provide 708 affordable homes, forming part of a wider neighbourhood of 1,100 homes.
Phase 1A will deliver 389 units — 308 cost-rental and 81 social homes — across five apartment buildings constructed by John Sisk & Son Ltd. This initial stage will also introduce new community facilities, including a public park and shared spaces.
All homes will be A-rated, fitted with heat pumps, rooftop solar panels and high-grade insulation. Every apartment will have its own balcony or terrace, many of which will overlook landscaped courtyards or parkland.
Phase 1 will incorporate a supermarket, commercial and retail units, community and arts spaces, and a creche. Across all 708 units in this phase, the housing mix will include 28 studios, 263 one-bedroom, 368 two-bedroom and 49 three-bedroom apartments, in buildings ranging from four to fifteen storeys.
Approval has also been secured from An Coimisiún Pleanála for Phase 2, which will introduce a further 137 affordable-purchase homes. This phase will comprise 13 two-bedroom houses, 88 three-bedroom houses, and 36 duplexes.
When fully completed, Cherry Orchard Point will contain 1,100 homes woven into an extensive network of plazas, green spaces, outdoor amenities, a fitness trail, play areas and a multi-use games zone. A connected layout of tree-lined streets will support sustainable and accessible travel options for residents.
The project is designed to complement ongoing DCC developments in the area, including the revitalisation of Cherry Orchard Park as a sports hub and the creation of a new village hub opposite St Ultan’s School.
Cherry Orchard Point is one of several major collaborations between the LDA and DCC, joining other initiatives such as Bluebell Waterways, An tSrúill in Cromcastle, the Donore regeneration project and the redevelopment of Dolphin House.
What the Stakeholders Said
Ray McAdam, Lord Mayor of Dublin, described the beginning of construction as a “significant moment” for Cherry Orchard.
“This is not simply the start of a building project,” he said, “but the beginning of a new chapter for a proud and resilient community. Local residents have played a key role in shaping this development, ensuring new homes arrive alongside new facilities and opportunities.”
James Browne TD, Minister for Housing, welcomed the boost to affordable housing:
“This project will deliver over 1,000 sustainable homes with essential amenities. Every home delivered helps provide dignity and security. We need more developments like this across all housing tenures.”
He added that the Government’s recently launched Delivering Homes, Building Communities plan will support further momentum across the country.
John Coleman, CEO of the Land Development Agency, said starting construction marks a major milestone:
“Cherry Orchard Point is the largest joint venture currently underway between the LDA and DCC. With Phase 1A now on site and Phase 2 approved, we are making strong progress in west Dublin.”
Richard Shakespeare, Chief Executive of Dublin City Council, highlighted the project as a “great day for housing delivery”, noting strong support from local councillors and the significance of mixed-tenure development for Dublin’s future growth.
Paul Brown, CEO of Sisk, said the company is proud to take on such a prominent project:
“Our team is committed to delivering high-quality homes and working closely with local partners and communities.”
Cllr. Deirdre Heney, Chair of the Housing and Social Inclusion SPC, said the beginning of construction represents “a new chapter for Cherry Orchard,” emphasising the collaboration and dedication that brought the project to this stage.
