Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 November 2025
570. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the rationale and assessment criteria applied for the decision not to provide funding for the proposed social and affordable housing development at Rehills Land, Bray, County Wicklow; if she plans to engage with Wicklow County Council to progress much needed housing on this site; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63159/25]
View answerMy Department received a SHIP Funding Application from Wicklow County Council to construct 140 new social homes at the Rehills site in Bray Co Wicklow in June 2025.
Upon review, my Department stated its significant concerns about the high overall costs, particularly abnormal costs, primarily relating to the provision of a vehicular access bridge.
On 24 October 2025 my Department wrote to Wicklow County Council to inform them that their application for funding may not be approved in its current form. The letter also recommended that the council should liaise with the Housing Activation Office to explore alternative funding options for the bridge.
My Department also indicated that it is willing to consider a revised submission in respect of the housing element of the scheme separate from the vehicular access bridge and remain available to work with the council to develop a viable housing solution for the Rehills site.
