By Dayo Ade Olusola M10News Dublin Desk
More than 3,300 applications have poured in within just 48 hours for 67 new cost-rental apartments in Sandyford, south Dublin — underscoring the soaring demand for affordable housing across the capital.
Housing charity Respond opened applications on Tuesday for the Lisieux Park development, which offers a mix of studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments. By Thursday, a total of 3,345 applications had been submitted for the limited number of homes.
The cost-rental apartments are aimed at working individuals and families earning a net household income of up to €66,000 per year. Rents are set between €1,183 and €1,591 per month, at least 25% below current market rates, according to Respond.
Applicants must already live in Ireland, must not own property, and cannot be in receipt of social housing supports. The size of each applicant’s household must also match the apartment type advertised.
The new Lisieux Park homes were developed in partnership with Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, The Housing Agency, and the Housing Finance Agency.
Respond said the development aims to offer long-term stability and affordability in a market where private rental costs have continued to climb.
“They offer security and affordability to people who are struggling with high rents in Dublin,”
said Niamh Randall, spokesperson for Respond.
“This is more than a housing development – it’s a community designed to help people thrive, supported by excellent local amenities, transport links and our dedicated on-site team.”
Lisieux Park is part of a broader 203-unit mixed-tenure development, which includes cost-rental and social housing units designed to provide a sustainable housing mix in one of Dublin’s most in-demand areas.
Housing advocates say the overwhelming response highlights the depth of Ireland’s housing crisis, particularly among middle-income earners who do not qualify for social housing but struggle to afford market rents.
Cost-rental schemes were introduced by the Irish government in recent years as part of Housing for All, a national strategy aimed at increasing housing supply and providing affordable rental options with secure tenancies.
While the policy has helped deliver several hundred units since its launch, experts warn that demand continues to far outstrip supply — with each new cost-rental scheme drawing thousands of applications for limited spaces.
Respond said it expects the first residents to move into Lisieux Park later this year.
Editing by M10News Dublin Desk | Contact: newsdesk@m10news.com
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