In early February, the BIC Housing Work Sector convened in Dublin where the eight Member Administrations explored initiatives being employed under the Government of Ireland’s new housing plan to activate and accelerate new homes delivery and provide affordable housing supports. 

This visit was an important element of the implementation of the work plan agreed by Housing Ministers from across the eight BIC Administrations in Belfast in 2024.  At the Ministerial meeting, Ministers committed to sharing approaches and information in relation to key areas of Housing policy development and implementation, including the exploration of Affordable Housing Models.

As part of the visit, the group took part in three site visits based in Dublin: Montpellier, The Iveagh Trust and Shanganagh Castle Estate.

To begin the visit the group were welcomed to Montpelier, an ambitious residential regeneration project situated in the heart of Dublin City. Construction commenced in February 2023 and will deliver 1,044 A-rated homes across social, private affordable and cost rental tenures.

The Work Sector then moved The Iveagh Trust, the oldest provider of social housing in Ireland. The Iveagh Trust was established by the Sir Edward Cecil Guinness in 1890 to provide quality housing for the “poorer of the working classes” in Dublin and London. The Trust now has over 2000 homes across Dublin.

On Day two of the visit, officials saw Shanganagh Castle Estate, the first major direct delivery project to be completed by the LDA in partnership with Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council.  The project was awarded the prestigious title of winner for the Placemaking Initiative of the year at the 2025 Business Post Property Awards: testament to the innovative design and forward-thinking approach of this landmark development and using a collaborative approach to delivering high quality affordable homes at scale.