Fine Gael TD for Clare Joe Cooney has received confirmation that two major infrastructure projects in Ennis have been approved under the Government’s new €1 billion Housing Infrastructure Investment Fund (HIFF), which will help unlock lands for up to 1,300 homes in the county capital.
Deputy Cooney was informed by Government that projects at Ashline and Claureen have been included in the first call of the new fund, which is managed through the Housing Activation Office and provides investment in essential infrastructure such as roads, water and drainage networks needed to accelerate housing delivery.
The Ashline project will deliver a spine road and public realm upgrades, including improved pedestrian access and enhanced pick-up and drop-off facilities at Ennis National School. The project will directly unlock lands for approximately 300 residential units, with the potential to support a further 200 homes indirectly.
The Claureen Link Road Phase 2 project will provide a key transport connection linking the Lahinch Road to the junction of the Drehidnagower and Drumcliffe Roads. The project follows on from the proposed LIHAF-funded Phase 1 road and will unlock lands capable of delivering approximately 600 homes directly, with the potential to support a further 200 homes indirectly.
Deputy Cooney said the announcement represented a significant step forward for housing delivery in Ennis.
“This is very positive news for Clare and particularly for Ennis. I have been consistently raising the need for investment in the infrastructure required to unlock housing lands and I welcome this confirmation from Government that these projects have been approved under the Housing Infrastructure Investment Fund.
“The Claureen Link Road Phase 2 project is particularly important as it will provide a vital connection from the Claureen Roundabout to the junction of the Drehidnagower and Drumcliffe Roads. This will improve connectivity, support future development and help unlock significant housing capacity in the area.
“Providing homes requires more than just planning permission. We need the roads, water, drainage and other infrastructure in place to allow housing developments to proceed. These investments will help unlock significant housing supply and support the future growth of Ennis.
“I have made strong representations on the need to prioritise Ennis for this type of investment and I am pleased to see that work now progressing through Government support.
“The approval of these projects demonstrates the Government’s commitment to tackling housing supply by investing in the infrastructure needed to get homes built.”
Deputy Cooney added that the investment would complement other planned upgrades in the area, including water network improvements by Uisce Éireann and electricity infrastructure investment by ESB Networks.
“Ennis has significant potential for growth and these infrastructure projects will help ensure that the town can continue to develop in a sustainable way, supporting new homes, communities and local services,” he said.
The first call of the Housing Infrastructure Investment Fund will see 82 projects approved nationally, with around €862 million committed to infrastructure projects that have the potential to unlock up to 200,000 homes.
ENDS
Photo: The proposed Claureen LIHAF New Link Road. Credit Clare County Council.
https://www.clarecoco.ie/council/newsroom/notices/2026/compulsory-purchase-order-claureen-lihaf-new-link-road