Kilkenny County Council Officially Opens Crokers Hill

Kilkenny County Council Officially Opens Crokers Hill: A Landmark €35 Million Award-Winning Housing Development

James Browne TD, Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, on Friday September 25th officially opened Crokers Hill, the largest social housing development ever delivered by Kilkenny County Council.

The landmark 88-home development transforms a 2.34-hectare site on Kennyswell Road into a vibrant, high-density and sustainable urban neighbourhood. Delivered by Kilkenny County Council's Housing Capital Team, working alongside van Dijk Architects, Hayes Higgins Partnership, McGann Surveyors and Ormonde Construction Ltd, the scheme provides not only high-quality homes but also the facilities and infrastructure necessary to support a thriving community.

Designed with accessibility, sustainability and community integration at its core, Crokers Hill demonstrates how high-quality social housing can contribute to the creation of inclusive and resilient neighbourhoods while supporting compact urban growth objectives.

The development has already received national recognition, winning the Public Sector Residential / Housing Project of the Year award at the Irish Building & Design Awards 2026 and the Architectural Design Excellence Award (Project Value Over €20 Million) at the Irish Construction Excellence Awards 2026.

To mark the opening, Minister Browne planted a ceremonial tree, toured the development and visited the on-site Group Home.

Speaking at the launch, Minister for Housing, James Browne TD, said:

“It is a real pleasure to be here in Kilkenny today to see first-hand the kind of development we need to deliver right across the country.  Crokers Hill demonstrates how high-density, energy-efficient housing, combined with strong community infrastructure, can create vibrant and sustainable neighbourhoods where people and families can thrive.   Supported by an overall Government investment of more than €35 million, this project shows what can be achieved when ambition, partnership and long-term planning come together to deliver real results for local communities.   This development is about far more than bricks and mortar. It is about building communities, creating opportunities, and fostering a strong sense of belonging. Facilities such as the community centre will play a vital role in bringing people together and supporting social inclusion for years to come.  

Kilkenny County Council deserves tremendous credit for its vision, innovation and commitment in bringing this outstanding project to fruition. This is exactly the type of high-quality development I want to see delivered by local authorities across the country, and I am determined to continue supporting and driving the delivery of similar housing projects that provide not just homes but thriving communities.”

A defining feature of Crokers Hill is its focus on inclusivity. More than 21% of the homes have been constructed to Universal Design standards, ensuring they are accessible, adaptable and capable of supporting residents through different stages of life, including older persons and people with disabilities. The development also includes a purpose-built Group Home managed by Aurora Disability Services, providing independent living opportunities for residents transitioning from congregated settings under the national decongregation programme.

The development's Community Centre has been leased to the Thomas Hayes Trust and is already serving as a focal point for community development, resident engagement and support services. The centre is helping to foster a strong sense of community within Crokers Hill while strengthening links with the wider Kennyswell Road area. An active residents' committee has already begun organising events and activities that bring neighbours together and support community cohesion.

Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council, Councillor Joe Malone, added:

"A development of this scale and quality requires vision, commitment and hard work. The project team has transformed an ambitious concept into a landmark development that will benefit the people of Kilkenny for many years to come. Strong communities look after their people, and a secure home provides the foundation for a good life. Crokers Hill will leave a lasting legacy for future generations."