New housing sheme with 'affordable' units launched in Kilkenny
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Ten out of the 20 newly built homes in Freshford are being made available for purchase under the Local Authority Affordable Purchase Scheme
Minister James Browne has officially launched An Tobar in Freshford, a new residential mixed-tenure development delivering 20 high quality homes, comprising both social and affordable units.
Of these, 10 newly built homes are being made available for purchase under the Local Authority Affordable Purchase Scheme, offering eligible buyers a valuable opportunity to secure a permanent home in county Kilkenny.
Built by Ormonde Construction, the An Tobar development includes 10 affordable purchase homes delivered under the government’s Delivering Homes, Building Communities Housing Action Plan.
These properties are available to eligible private buyers at below market price, facilitated by a percentage equity share partnership with Kilkenny County Council.
Applications must be submitted exclusively via the online portal, which opens from 12pm on Wednesday, June 24 until 12pm on Wednesday, July 22.
Speaking at the event, Minister Browne said “I’m delighted to be here today with Cathaoirleach Mary Hilda Cavanagh and the Municipal District Chairperson Cllr Michael Mc Carthy to see first-hand the delivery of these new mixed tenure homes, which will provide much-needed social housing while also helping more people to achieve home ownership at an affordable price.
“Backed by almost €4.5 million in Government funding, this project demonstrates our strong commitment to supporting local authorities and delivering real housing solutions for our communities.”
Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council Mary Hilda Cavanagh explained that the name An Tobar means “the well”, a place where people gather, find strength and renew themselves.
She said “my hope is that these 20 new homes will be exactly that for the families who’ll soon be turning their keys in the doors. A source of comfort, stability and fresh beginnings.”
Cllr Michael McCarthy also expressed his ‘delight’ with this development in Freshford “which badly needs new homes”.
“My hope as the unbiased elected member of Kilkenny County Council would be to see local people prioritised in the allocation of these homes,” he said, noting that he respects that “they would have to meet the necessary criteria.”
A/Director of Service Ian Gardner stated “An Tobar represents another important milestone in our ongoing work to expand housing options for people living in Kilkenny.
“By delivering high quality affordable, energy‑efficient homes in partnership with trusted local developers, we are supporting families who have struggled to compete in the private market.”
John Holohan MD, Ormonde Construction said “as a Kilkenny‑based company, supporting our community through local employment, local suppliers and sustainable building practices is central to our work.
“We are delighted to see these new homes become part of the fabric of Freshford.”
Micheal Boyd of Boyd’s Auctioneers expressed his delight “to act as sales agents for the An Tobar development and to support Kilkenny County Council in bringing these affordable homes to the market.”
“There is strong demand locally for high‑quality, energy‑efficient homes at accessible prices, and An Tobar offers exactly that,” he said.
“We look forward to guiding eligible buyers through the viewing and sales process and helping families take the next step toward secure homeownership in Freshford.”
The provision of an adequate supply of suitable housing for low and middle-income households remains a significant and ongoing challenge.
Further information regarding local eligibility criteria and forthcoming schemes is available at kilkennycoco.ie/affordable-homes