TWO MAJOR ENNIS housing projects have been approved under the Government’s new €1bn Housing Infrastructure Investment Fund (HIFF).
Lands will be unlocked in the county town for the development of up to 1,300 homes as a result of the funding approval. Projects at Ashline and Claureen have been included in the first call of the new fund which is managed through the Housing Activation Office and provides investment in essential infrastructure such as roads, water and drainage networks needed to accelerate housing delivery.
As part of the Ashline project, a spine road and public realm upgrades will be delivered including improved pedestrian access and enhanced pick-up and drop-off facilities at Ennis National School. The project will directly unlock lands for approximately 300 residential units, with the potential to support a further 200 homes indirectly.
Phase two of the Claureen Link Road project will provide a key transport connection linking the Lahinch Road to the junction of the Drehidnagower and Drumcliffe roads. The project follows on from the proposed LIHAF-funded Phase 1 road and will unlock lands capable of delivering approximately 600 homes directly, with the potential to support a further 200 homes indirectly.
Together, the two projects have the potential to support the delivery of up to 1,300 homes and will be complemented by investment from Uisce Éireann and ESB Networks, including upgrades to water services infrastructure and the local 110kV substation.
Nationally, the first call of the Housing Infrastructure Investment Fund will see 82 projects approved with around €862 million committed to infrastructure projects that have the potential to unlock up to 200,000 homes.
Junior Minister, Timmy Dooley (FF) stated, “This is a significant investment in the future growth of Ennis and County Clare. These projects will provide the infrastructure needed to support the delivery of up to 1,300 new homes for individuals, couples and families. The Ashline and Claureen projects will improve connectivity, public infrastructure and local amenities while also helping to address Clare’s housing needs. It is vital that housing development is matched by investment in the roads, utilities and services required to support sustainable growth.
“These projects build on other major investments already underway in Ennis, including town centre regeneration projects and planned upgrades to water and electricity infrastructure. By coordinating investment across agencies, we can ensure that housing delivery happens at scale and in a planned and sustainable way,” Dooley continued.
Clare TD, Joe Cooney (FG) said the announcement represented a significant step forward for housing delivery in Ennis.“This is very positive news for Clare and particularly for Ennis. I have been consistently raising the need for investment in the infrastructure required to unlock housing lands and I welcome this confirmation from Government that these projects have been approved under the Housing Infrastructure Investment Fund. The Claureen Link Road Phase 2 project is particularly important as it will provide a vital connection from the Claureen Roundabout to the junction of the Drehidnagower and Drumcliffe Roads. This will improve connectivity, support future development and help unlock significant housing capacity in the area”.
Deputy Cooney added, “Providing homes requires more than just planning permission. We need the roads, water, drainage and other infrastructure in place to allow housing developments to proceed. These investments will help unlock significant housing supply and support the future growth of Ennis. I have made strong representations on the need to prioritise Ennis for this type of investment and I am pleased to see that work now progressing through Government support. The approval of these projects demonstrates the Government’s commitment to tackling housing supply by investing in the infrastructure needed to get homes built”.
Ennis’ “significant potential for growth” was flagged by Deputy Cooney. “These infrastructure projects will help ensure that the town can continue to develop in a sustainable way, supporting new homes, communities and local services”.
Cathal Crowe TD (FF) described the announcement as “a huge step forward for housing development in Ennis and the hinterland. We talk continuously about the absolute necessity of supply in housing, but houses cannot be built without the underlying infrastructure first being put into the ground. By securing up to €30 million in combined indicative funding for the Ashline Spine Road and the Claureen Phase 2 Link Road, we are directly breaking the logjam. This unlocks the potential for 1,300 much-needed homes.
“I am particularly pleased to see that the Ashline project actively addresses safety and accessibility at Ennis National School with improved pedestrian routes and better drop-off facilities. Alongside major upgrades to our water networks and the 110kv ESB substation, this represents a completely integrated approach to growing Ennis sustainably,” Deputy Crowe noted.
