In response to detailed queries submitted by Kfm, including when the decision was made, what cost factors were considered, and what alternative delivery models are under consideration - the Department issued only a short statement confirming that the pause was decided on June 3 due to “overall costs for the project being considered too high.”
The Department of Housing has refused to directly answer key questions about the sudden decision to halt a social housing project in Athy, despite the development being on the brink of construction.
The 79-unit scheme, part of Public Private Partnership (PPP) Bundle 3, had already secured planning permission and an assigned contractor when the Department instructed the National Development Finance Agency (NDFA) not to proceed with awarding the contract.
In response to detailed queries submitted by Kfm - including when the decision was made, what cost factors were considered, and what alternative delivery models are under consideration - the Department issued only a short statement confirming that the pause was decided on June 3 due to “overall costs for the project being considered too high.”
No further explanation was provided regarding the specific cost-related thresholds or comparisons that informed the decision.
Kfm understands that the Department of Housing believes some of the information would be too commercially "sensitive" to release.
The Department added only that it remains “fully committed” to delivering the housing included in PPP Bundle 3, and that it is working with the NDFA and the four local authorities involved to identify alternative strategies.
Local representatives in the Athy Municipal District have now called for an immediate meeting with the Minister for Housing and senior officials in the Department.
The Ardrew project was part of a broader national strategy to deliver social housing through PPPs, a model that has now been thrown into question.
The Department has also initiated a wider review of future PPP housing bundles, though no timeline or consultation framework has been disclosed.
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