Yellow Ford age-friendly development in Athboy shortlisted for national housing award

The Yellow Ford Housing development in Athboy has been selected as a finalist in the Community Housing Awards, run by the Irish Council for Social Housing (ICSH). The programme is designed to reward innovation and sustainability in public housing in urban and rural areas across the country.

Some 31 nominees from around Ireland have made the shortlist for eight individual categories that span all aspects of effective community housing projects and each nominee is also eligible for the Public Choice Award.

Meath County Council designed and constructed the Yellow Ford age-friendly housing (over 55s) development in Athboy, which was completed in August 2024 and consists of 28 homes: a mix of one-, two- and three-bed houses and apartments. The scheme caters for a range of households, acknowledging those who might be single, living as a couple or living in a larger family.

The housing development was constructed on a green field site beside an old convent which was converted into a community centre and is in a well-established part of the town of Athboy close to all services and amenities. It is surrounded by the Community Centre, existing housing, playing fields and mature trees. The outdoor areas have been carefully considered and thoughtfully programmed to provide meaningful activity for the residents. Age-friendly features in the homes include Universal Design homes at ground floor level and single storey houses with accessible bathrooms and level access showers/wet rooms.

The Irish Council for Social Housing (ICSH) is the national representative federation for approved housing bodies (AHBs) in Ireland. Donal McManus, CEO, explains why the award is a valuable part of the programme: “We are lucky to work with amazing people who create homes around Ireland every day and make a lasting positive impact. The Public Choice award is an opportunity for these communities to get behind local teams and show their pride in their neighbourhoods."

Members of the public can vote at https://icsh.ie/awards/community-housing-public-choice-award-2025/. Voting will close on Monday 13th October at 23.59pm. The winner will be announced at the ICSH National Housing Conference ceremony at the Slieve Russell Hotel in Cavan on Wednesday 15th October.