Respond: Delivering homes at scale
Respond, Ireland’s largest construction-led Approved Housing Body (AHB) and service provider, plays a crucial role in addressing the housing crisis by building homes and fostering sustainable, inclusive communities.
With a commitment to providing high quality homes, Respond is focused on scaling housing solutions through its construction-led model. With 82 per cent of its housing activity focused on construction, Respond is a leader in driving the national housing supply, currently managing over 7,761 homes for 17,000 tenants. By the end of 2024, Respond is on track to expand its housing portfolio with 4,000 social and cost-rental homes under construction nationwide.
A construction-led approach
Respond’s construction-led model is key to its ability to deliver homes at scale. By purchasing sites and managing construction through fixed-price contracts, Respond saves up to €65,000 per home compared to turnkey properties. This allows for greater financial control while ensuring high-quality standards.
A dedicated in-house team of architects, planners, quantity surveyors, and construction managers ensures that projects are delivered on time and within budget. The organisation’s €2 billion housing programme aims to provide high-quality homes for thousands of families as part of a long-term strategy to address the housing shortage and create sustainable communities.
Major developments in Dublin
Respond’s large-scale Dublin developments are central to its housing strategy, focusing on high-demand areas with a mix of social and cost-rental homes. Among these, Airton Road in Tallaght is a standout project. Developed with Ardstone and Walls Construction, this project will deliver 502 apartments, ranging from one to three bedrooms, across six blocks. The development also features retail units, a crèche, open spaces, and energy-efficient designs, making it a prime example of Respond’s integrated community-focused approach.
Parkleigh in Seven Mills, located along the Grand Canal, is another major development. This project is part of the Clonburris Strategic Development Zone (SDZ) and will deliver 372 homes split between social and cost-rental tenures. These A2-rated energy-efficient homes are family-friendly and located minutes from Liffey Valley Shopping Centre, offering residents convenience alongside modern living.
Rathbourne Wharf in Ashtown is Respond’s largest development, delivering 725 homes upon completion. Of these, 326 will be social homes, and 399 cost-rental units. The mixed-use site also includes commercial spaces such as a food store, café, and crèche, with public open spaces for residents. This project combines residential and commercial needs, enhancing its appeal as a community hub.
Other key developments include Griffin Point on Hole in The Wall Road, with 397 homes (244 social and 153 cost rental), and Piper’s Square in Charlestown, comprising 590 homes built to Passive House standards, including facilities like a crèche, retail units, and a medical care facility. These projects reflect Respond’s broader goal of delivering 2,785 homes in Dublin by 2024, with a mix of 1,460 social and 1,325 cost-rental homes.
These five developments in Dublin are part of Respond’s wider goal to deliver 2,785 new homes in the capital. This total includes 1,460 social homes and 1,325 cost-rental homes, ensuring that a significant number of high quality homes are made available to meet the city’s demand.
Nationwide impact and future plans
While Dublin remains a focal point, Respond’s impact extends nationwide, with 3,015 homes currently under development across Ireland. Respond’s ability to deliver at scale is supported by its partnerships with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, the Housing Finance Agency, the Housing Agency, and local councils. These collaborations ensure that Respond has the necessary support to continue expanding its housing supply.
Respond is set to deliver 567 new homes in Dublin by the end of 2024, a significant milestone in its mission to address the housing crisis. These homes will be built through Respond’s construction-led model, which emphasises creating mixed-tenure communities designed to stand the test of time. The organisation’s commitment to placemaking is evident in its Urban Village Placemaking approach, which fosters small, pedestrian-friendly neighbourhoods within larger urban areas, providing not only homes but also a sense of belonging and community for residents.
Conclusion
Respond’s construction-led approach, combined with its commitment to building large-scale, mixed-tenure developments, positions it as a leader in tackling Ireland’s housing crisis. By focusing on delivering social and cost-rental homes, Respond is creating diverse, inclusive communities that meet the needs of a wide range of people. As the organisation continues to expand its housing portfolio, it remains dedicated to building sustainable, high-quality homes that will serve generations to come.
T: 01 808 7700
E: info@respond.ie
W: www.respond.ie
