Minister Darragh O’Brien wields historic sword to unveil social housing in Swords

In a symbolic gesture, Housing Minister Darragh O’Brien used a 130-year-old sword to cut the ribbon on 28 new social homes in Swords, Dublin. The sword was presented to him by the Hon. Rory Guinness, Chairman of the Iveagh Trust, and Cathaoirleach of Fingal County Council, Cllr Howard Mahony. The event took place on the afternoon of September 10th, 2021.

The new social homes are part of a larger development of 102 homes, which are being built by the Iveagh Trust in partnership with Fingal County Council. The development will include a mix of social, affordable and private homes. The 28 social homes that were opened on Friday are the first phase of the development.

Speaking at the event, Minister O’Brien said that the government is committed to providing affordable and social housing. He praised the partnership between the Iveagh Trust and Fingal County Council, saying that it was an example of how public and private sectors can work together to address the housing crisis.

The Minister also acknowledged the historic significance of the sword he used to cut the ribbon. The sword belonged to his great-grandfather, who was a member of the Irish Volunteers and fought in the Easter Rising of 1916. Minister O’Brien said that using the sword was a way of honouring his family’s history and the sacrifices made by those who fought for Irish independence.

The event was attended by local councillors, representatives from the Iveagh Trust and Fingal County Council, and members of the community. The new social homes will provide much-needed accommodation for families and individuals who are struggling to find affordable housing in the area.

The housing crisis in Ireland has been a major issue for many years, with rising rents and a shortage of affordable homes putting pressure on families and individuals. The government has committed to building 50,000 social and affordable homes by 2030, as part of its plan to address the crisis.

The opening of the 28 new social homes in Swords is a small but significant step towards achieving this goal. It is also a reminder of the importance of partnerships between public and private sectors in addressing the housing crisis. As Minister O’Brien said at the event, “We need to work together to build the homes that people need and deserve.”