Waterford City and County Council has granted conditional planning permission for a 27-home housing development in Tallow, following submissions of support from local councillors who cited a serious shortage of housing in the area.

The development will take place at Michael J. Prendergast Road, Tallow, and will consist of a mix of houses and own-door apartments across ten buildings.

Details of the Proposed Development

The approved scheme includes:

  • Two single-storey two-bedroom houses

  • Five single-storey one-bedroom houses

  • Twelve two-storey three-bedroom houses

  • Eight two-bedroom own-door apartments in two separate buildings

Buildings will range from single-storey to two-storey in height, with associated roads, footpaths, services, public open space and landscaping included as part of the development.

Councillors Cite Housing Need

Local councillors Donnchadh Mulcahy (Sinn Féin) and John Pratt (Labour) made submissions in support of the application.

They acknowledged that Tallow is experiencing a significant undersupply of housing, particularly for individuals and families seeking to buy homes locally.

Council Assessment

In its decision, the planning authority stated that the development aligns with zoning objectives and reflects the existing pattern of development in the area.

The council said the project complies with proper planning and sustainable development, subject to a range of conditions.

Key Planning Conditions

Among the most significant conditions attached to the approval:

  • The developer must complete the roads, footpaths, lighting, drainage, open spaces and landscaping before residents can occupy the homes.
  • The developer must pay a €94,500 development contribution to the council to cover transport, drainage, community and amenity infrastructure.
  • The developer must lodge a €239,625 security bond to guarantee the satisfactory completion of services and public spaces.
  • The developer must put a Part V agreement in place to provide social and affordable housing.
  • The developer must initially sell the homes to individual purchasers rather than corporate investors, unless the council approves otherwise.
  • The developer must complete and secure approval for a Stage 3 Road Safety Audit before occupation begins.
  • The developer must ensure all water and wastewater connections comply with Uisce Éireann standards.
  • The developer must restrict construction hours to protect local amenities.

Focus on Infrastructure and Safety

The council also required strict controls around drainage, traffic safety, public lighting, landscaping and construction management.

The developer must maintain all public areas until the estate is formally taken in charge by Waterford City and County Council.

Addressing Local Housing Demand

The approval comes amid ongoing concerns about housing availability in West Waterford towns and villages.

Councillors supporting the proposal said developments of this scale are necessary to sustain rural communities and provide homes for people who want to live and work locally.

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