Carlow Social Housing: Developer Switches 22 of 48 Homes to Private Market
A developer in Carlow switched 22 of 48 social housing units to the private market due to rising costs, drawing criticism from Sinn Féin. Housing Minister James Browne blamed unfinalized contracts, while Sinn Féin's Eoin Ó Broin criticized the reliance on private builders. The incident has caused significant disappointment for those on the housing waiting list.
Sinn Féin has criticized Housing Minister James Browne after a developer switched 22 of 48 new social housing units at Foran’s Way in Tullow, Carlow, to the private market. This change occurred weeks before expected availability, leaving only two-bedroom homes for Carlow County Council. The €14 million project's developer cited rising costs for the alteration.
Minister Browne stated it appeared homes were promised before contracts were finalized, and the developer made an «authoritative decision». He urged local authorities to secure contracts earlier and build homes directly instead of purchasing turnkeys. Sinn Féin spokesperson Eoin Ó Broin countered that Browne cannot simply «pass the blame» and highlighted the disappointment for 600 applicants on the housing list, including 130 in Tullow.
Ó Broin criticized the overreliance on private builders for social housing, suggesting councils should fund developments in stages to mitigate rising costs. The Department of Housing confirmed it provided funding to Co-operative Housing Ireland (CHI) for the 48-property project in October 2023, with a revision approved in August 2025, noting contractual arrangements are between the developer, BHA Construction, and CHI. This incident raises questions about the social housing delivery model that contracts projects to private builders.