Three key housing activation schemes approved for Birr and Tullamore

APPROVAL for all three Housing Infrastructure and Investment Fund (HIIF) applications, in Birr and Tullamore, submitted by Offaly County Council has been secured.

This significant announcement marks a crucial step forward in addressing the county’s housing and activating strategic land banks for residential development.

The first of the successful applications is the Clonminch Land Activation Scheme in Tullamore which will involve a 1 km link road with water and wastewater infrastructure and will directly unlock lands for 654 residential units and indirectly a further 650 residential units.

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This scheme complements significant ESB investment in 38KV Network upgrades in Tullamore and a major wastewater network expansion project planned by Uisce Éireann (UE) for the south side of the town. The area has also benefited from Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF) funding for regeneration in the Town Centre.

The second successful application is the Rectory Fields;Land Activation Scheme in Birr. This scheme focuses on a link road and Active Travel facilities through the town centre in Birr.

It will directly unlock lands for 126 residential units and indirectly a further 50 residential units. This project complements existing NTA funding for the Active Travel network in Birr and the Department of Transport’s Regional Road Improvement grant for the Birr Distributor Road. ESB is also planning a refurbishment of the 38kv Network in the area.

The third project is the Birr South Land Activation Scheme (Birr Southeastern Distributor Road). This project proposes a 425m link road with Active Travel facilities, water, and wastewater infrastructure.

It is estimated to directly unlock 425 residential units and indirectly a further 325 residential units. The National Transport Authority (NTA) is investing in Active Travel facilities in Birr, and Uisce Éireann (UE) will liaise with Offaly County Council to ensure network capacity is available to facilitate future development.

Each of the projects has an associated indicative cost coming under €10 million.

Welcoming the news, Fine Gael TD for Offaly, Deputy John Clendennen said: “This is an important day for Offaly, and I am delighted to confirm that all three of Offaly County Council’s applications under the Housing Infrastructure and Investment Fund have received approval,” stated Deputy John Clendennen. “This outcome is a testament to the hard work and collaborative efforts between local and national government.”

Deputy Clendennen has had ongoing engagement with Minister of State, John Cummins on the importance of building more homes in Offaly.

“The activation of these lands represents a vital step forward for three strategic locations within our county and I would like to thank both Minister Cummins for his engagement and interest in Offaly as well as Offaly County Council for their continued dedication to the improvement of Offaly, highlighted here by these successful applications.”

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The approved schemes are set to unlock substantial housing potential and enhance local infrastructure.

Deputy Clendennen added, “These approvals will not only provide much-needed housing but also deliver essential infrastructure improvements that will benefit our communities for years to come. The combined potential of these three projects is immense, paving the way for over 2,000 new residential units across Birr & Tullamore, both directly and indirectly. I want to thank Minister Cummins for his unwavering support and commitment to addressing the housing challenges and ensuring we maximise supply.”

Also welcoming the announcement, Fianna Fáil TD Tony McCormack said the funding represents a major vote of confidence in Offaly and demonstrates the importance of investing in enabling infrastructure to accelerate housing delivery.

"Offaly County Council identified three strategic projects, applied for funding for all three, and I am delighted that all three applications have been successful. This is a tremendous outcome for the county and reflects the strong work undertaken by the Council in preparing these proposals," Deputy McCormack said.

"The housing challenge cannot be solved by building homes alone. We must also invest in the roads, water services and supporting infrastructure that make housing developments possible. These projects will remove key constraints and open up lands for the delivery of thousands of much-needed homes."

Deputy McCormack added that the investment will support the continued growth of both Tullamore and Birr while helping to meet housing demand across Offaly.

"This funding will help ensure that more individuals, couples and families can access housing in the years ahead. It is a significant step forward for Offaly and demonstrates the Government's commitment to supporting housing growth in our towns and communities."