On 17th of November the Taoiseach, Mr Bertie Ahern T.D. officially opened a new housing development at Grand Canal Wharf by unveiling a plaque to mark the occasion and Fr Michael Cody performed a blessing of the new homes.

The new development, which has 20 social apartments provided under Part V development in Dublin Dockland’s. Grand Canal Wharf is on the former glass bottle site on Ringsend Road. The €20 million residential and commercial development consists of 96 housing units. 20 of these units are social units.

The social units which cost €4.7 million were provided for local people through a successful partnership between the Dublin Dockland, (DDDA) Dublin City Council (DCC) and the Developer Hardwicke Ltd. Architects. Burke Kennedy Doyle designed the scheme. Cluid Housing Association was appointed as the social landlord, of the voluntary housing dwellings.

Brian O’Gorman Chief Executive of Cluid Housing Association, stated at the opening that the new social housing is a tangible commitment from the DDDA that, as the city grows and prospers, it does not leave behind those citizens who have helped to build Dublin and continued to sustain it during less thriving times.

All the residents living in the scheme are from the immediate communities and were elated to be given the opportunity to be housed in their own area. Most of the new residents threw open their doors to visitors on the day, and allow the invited guests view their beautiful new homes.

Speaking at the opening Noel Watson, the chairperson of the new residents association stated that Grand Canal Wharf is another example of the implication of social integration policy that shows the continuing success of the partnership between statutory agencies, the private sector and community organisations.

“This partnership gives the residents of Grand Canal Wharf the opportunity to continue to live in the area in which we grew up and have their history and social roots. It is in this area that we can continue the tradition of community spirit our parents and grandparents knew.”

Over the coming years their will be numerous new developments in the Docklands area which afford the same opportunity for locals, who meet the criteria set out by DCC for social and affordable housing to be housed in the area. If you are eligible make sure you make your interest known.

Pictured above with An Taoiseach Bertie Ahern TD at Grand Canak Wharf are Ann Mulligan and her daughter Marie.