€100m infrastructure boost for Meath to unlock thousands of new homes
More than €100 million in Government funding has been allocated to four major road infrastructure projects in County Meath in a move expected to support the delivery of thousands of new homes across the county.
The funding has been secured through the Housing Infrastructure Investment Fund (HIIF) and will support projects in Dunboyne, Ratoath and Kells aimed at unlocking land for future residential development while improving transport connectivity.
Among the projects approved is the Dunboyne Eastern Distributor Road (DEDR), a major distributor road and rail overbridge scheme with the capacity to directly facilitate 1,024 homes and support a further 623 homes.
Funding has also been approved for the Dunboyne R157 Business Park Link, a new link road and junction infrastructure project which has the capacity to directly unlock 249 homes and indirectly support a further 356 homes.
In Ratoath, Phase 2 of the Outer Orbital Relief Road (ROOR-2) will complete a strategic transport link around the town and is expected to directly unlock 364 homes while supporting a further 74 homes.
Meanwhile, the Kells Frontlands Distributor Road project will include a new distributor road and junction upgrade with the potential to directly facilitate 187 homes and indirectly support a further 452 homes.
Welcoming the announcement, Minister Thomas Byrne said the investment represented a significant step forward for housing delivery in Meath.
"This is a hugely significant day for County Meath and for families who want to see more homes built in our communities," he said.
"By securing over €100 million in infrastructure investment for these four important projects, we are taking decisive action to remove barriers to housing delivery and unlock lands for thousands of new homes."
Minister Byrne said the projects would help ensure that infrastructure keeps pace with population growth in one of Ireland's fastest-growing counties.
"We know that housing cannot be delivered without the supporting infrastructure," he said.
"That is why Government is investing heavily in roads, water services and electricity networks to ensure that housing developments can proceed at scale and at pace."
The Fianna Fáil TD said the projects would not only facilitate housing development but would also improve connectivity and support the sustainable growth of local communities.
"These projects in Dunboyne, Ratoath and Kells will not only support the delivery of new homes, but will also improve connectivity, strengthen local communities and help accommodate the continued growth of Meath," he said.
Minister Byrne also acknowledged the role of Meath County Council in progressing the projects and said he would continue to work with Government colleagues and local stakeholders to ensure they advance as quickly as possible.
The Housing Infrastructure Investment Fund is designed to support strategic infrastructure projects that remove barriers to housing development and accelerate the delivery of new homes in areas experiencing population growth.