Carlow Developer Switches 22 of 48 Social Homes to Private Market Amid Rising Costs

Locals in Tullow, Co Carlow, are devastated after the developer of the €14 million Foran’s Way social housing estate switched 22 of 48 new homes to the private market. This change, weeks before expected availability, leaves only two-bedroom units for Carlow County Council, while three- and four-bedroom houses are now listed for private sale.

Carlow County Council stated the change was due to rising project costs. Residents on the council housing list for years expressed fury, many learning of the switch from online adverts. Council chief executive Coilín O’Reilly apologized to councillors for the lack of official notification, explaining that the speed of sales caught them off guard. Of the 48 houses, 19 have two beds, 27 have three beds, and two have four beds.

One applicant, on the waiting list for five-and-a-half years, described herself and others as «livid,» highlighting the need to escape mould-ridden accommodation for her asthmatic child. She noted the private sale prices of €350,000 for three-beds and over €400,000 for four-beds are likely unaffordable for many locals. Another woman, on a medical transfer list for over two years, was distraught, having hoped for one of the four-bed homes for her five children, two with medical needs.

Councillor Will Paton confirmed O’Reilly’s message, which stated the developer needed to privatize 22 homes to make the overall project viable due to construction cost increases. Social Democrats senator Patricia Stephenson criticized this outcome, arguing it highlights the dangers of Ireland's social housing model, which relies on the private sector rather than empowering councils to build directly.