Dublin — Dublin City Council has officially unveiled 46 new A-rated social homes for older residents at St Finbar’s Court in Cabra, completing a major regeneration project that has transformed one of Dublin 7’s oldest housing sites into a modern, fully accessible community for senior citizens.
The development replaces a complex originally built in the late 1940s by Dublin Corporation, which consisted of just 29 homes, 28 of which were bedsits that no longer met modern space standards, accessibility requirements or thermal comfort levels. The new scheme delivers 46 homes, a new community centre and a landscaped residential courtyard on the same footprint.
The Government provided almost €13 million for the redevelopment. Construction commenced in summer 2023, with the scheme designed by Seán Harrington Architects and built by main contractor Townlink Construction. The development is now fully occupied, with residents already settled into their new homes.
A-Rated, Accessible Design
All 46 homes meet A-rated energy efficiency standards and feature own-door access with a mix of private gardens and balconies. The scheme delivers 44 one-bedroom and two two-bedroom apartments, all universally designed with communal gardens forming part of the wider public realm around the complex.
Each unit has been built in line with the National Disability Authority’s Building for Everyone guidelines, ensuring compliance with recommended spatial and accessibility standards.
Ground-floor homes are fully wheelchair accessible and can be adapted for wheelchair-dependent living at any point in the future. Level access has been provided throughout the development, both internally and externally.
A new community centre will serve both the residents of St Finbar’s Court and the wider Cabra area — a significant addition to the neighbourhood, extending the project’s benefit beyond the housing units themselves.
Location and Connectivity
The scheme benefits from communal green spaces and strong transport links to Dublin city centre and surrounding areas, giving residents easy access to shops, healthcare services, employment, education, social amenities and public transport.
Official Opening
The project was formally opened by the Lord Mayor of Dublin, Ray McAdam, alongside James Browne, Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, and Kieran O’Donnell TD, Minister of State with responsibility for Older People and Housing, alongside other public representatives, council officials and the new residents themselves.
Lord Mayor McAdam said the development represented a defining example of what Dublin’s housing ambition should look like.
“Today is a proud day for Cabra and for Dublin. St Finbar’s Court represents exactly the kind of city we are building — a living city where people can age with dignity, security and independence in the communities they know and love.
“These 46 beautiful, energy-efficient homes are not just bricks and mortar. They are homes filled with possibility. They allow older Dubliners to remain connected to neighbours, family, local shops and transport, while enjoying modern, accessible design built to the highest standards.
“Most importantly, this development strengthens the heart of Cabra. A new courtyard, a new community space and 46 new front doors mean 46 new stories beginning here today. That is something worth celebrating.”
Government Commitment to Inclusive Housing
Minister Browne said he wanted to see more projects of this kind delivered nationwide.
“This is an example of Government, local authorities and the construction sector working together to deliver high-quality, inclusive housing,” he said.
“These 46 new homes for older people reflect our commitment to building communities that are safe, sustainable and accessible. The dignity of your own door is essential for people, and I want to make that a reality.”
Minister O’Donnell added that Ireland’s ageing population made schemes of this kind increasingly urgent.
“Ireland has an ageing population, requiring more developments for older people like St Finbar’s Court. I want to acknowledge the work of Dublin City Council in planning and bringing forward housing projects of such high calibre for older people.”
Broader Housing Context
The completion of St Finbar’s Court comes as demand for age-appropriate social housing in Dublin continues to grow sharply. Homelessness in Ireland surpassed 17,000 for the first time earlier this month, with housing advocates pressing for accelerated delivery of accessible and affordable homes across the country.
Ireland’s ageing population means schemes specifically designed for older residents are increasingly central to the national housing strategy. The St Finbar’s Court model — combining own-door access, universal design, community facilities and strong transport links — is being cited by officials as a template for future older persons’ housing developments nationwide.
The project forms part of Dublin City Council’s wider Housing Regeneration Programme, which identifies older estates that no longer meet contemporary standards and replaces them with modern, energy-efficient social housing stock.
This article is based on official statements published by Dublin City Council.
