Minister opens major social housing development in Tullamore

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne today (Friday) officially opened Kingswood, in Tullamore, marking the addition of 77 social homes in the county, providing high-quality accommodation for 159 tenants.

The Minister was joined by Respond’s Director of Strategy and Public Affairs, Niamh Randall, Cathaoirleach, Cllr John Leahy of Offaly County Council and Chief Executive, Eoghan Ryan.

Delivered by Respond, Ireland’s largest construction-led Approved Housing Body and service provider, the scheme, just off the Ardan Road to the north of the town, was completed in two phases in 2024 and 2025. It was funded with Government support through Capital Advance Leasing Facility (CALF)and long-term loans from the Housing Finance Agency supporting the delivery of much needed social homes in the county.

Tenants moved into their new homes in March and August 2025. Allocations were made to households on the Offaly County Council’s housing waiting list, including people exiting homelessness, those living in overcrowded family homes and tenants who had received notice to quit due to landlords selling their property.

These homes were delivered in partnership with Offaly County Council, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, the Housing Finance Agency and The Housing Agency. Construction was led by Whitebox Property Development Ltd.

This mix scheme turnkey development comprises: eight one-bedroom apartments, eight two-bedroom apartments, 28 two-bedroom bungalows, 14 two-bedroom terraced houses and 19 three-bedroom terraced houses.

Respond said Kingswood is designed with tenants’ quality of life at its centre. Each home is built to the highest standards of energy efficiency and sustainability, featuring air to water pumps, electric vehicle charging and heat recovery ventilation.

Tenants were invited to pre-tenancy meetings to help prepare for moving in, learn more about how their Respond tenancy works and meet Respond staff in advance of their move.

The Kingswood community includes an outdoor play area and an outdoor space for large community gatherings. A centrally located family park is easily accessible to all tenants, and the development has been designed to integrate with the surrounding landscape.

Niamh Randall, Spokesperson for Respond said: “These homes provide a safe and secure foundation for people to build their lives. Today is about more than new homes; it’s about creating a place where people feel settled, supported and connected. From the moment tenants receive their keys, our Tenant Experience team is there to support them and help them feel at home. That early support makes a lasting difference.

“This development is especially important as it provides bungalows for older people, helping them move into the next stage of life while remaining part of their community.”

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage said: “Approved Housing Bodies are key to delivering the scale and quality of housing our country needs. This Government is providing sustained investment to AHB’s like Respond to facilitate the delivery of high-quality housing developments like here in Kingwood.

“By working in partnership, the State and AHBs can accelerate delivery, strengthen communities, and ensure that everyone has access to safe, secure, affordable homes.”

Respond currently provides homes for over 20,000 people in more than 9,000 homes across Ireland. This includes 244 homes in Offaly constituency with 610 tenants.