News

Ireland’s leading sustainable housing developer, D/RES has today announced the commencement of works on a new €3.2 million landmark project at their Altidore Gardens development in Newtownmountkennedy, Co. Wicklow.

This innovative development will stand as Ireland’s first public buildings built to Net Zero Carbon.

Respectively providing both a creche and a community centre, the project represents a significant step forward not only in sustainable construction in Ireland, but also in facilitating purposeful, vibrant, and cohesive communities, fit for families and working parents.

Construction on the creche began this month and will be followed immediately by works on the community centre. Both facilities will be constructed primarily from responsibly-sourced, mass engineered timber – a ground breaking choice which improves construction efficiency and significantly reduces the embodied carbon associated with traditional construction. The result will be Ireland’s first privately developed MET public buildings.

Upon its completion, the community centre will be handed over to Wicklow County Council, directly supporting their strategic goals of community development and providing sustainable infrastructure for the residents of Wicklow. Little Harvard will take occupation of the creche, opening to its first pupils in early 2026.

Commenting on the announcement, D/RES CEO, Patrick Durkan, said:

“I am delighted to announce the commencement of construction on these ground breaking public buildings in Newtownmountkennedy, Wicklow. This project is about delivering sustainable, environmentally friendly, and future-proof infrastructure for Ireland. This milestone isn’t just a first for D/RES; it’s a national first for privately developed public buildings, setting a new benchmark for low-carbon, high-performance construction. It clearly demonstrates that Net-Zero Carbon principles are achievable and should be the standard for Ireland’s future. D/RES is committed to contributing directly to healthy, vibrant, energy-efficient, and environmentally responsible spaces for communities across Ireland, setting a clear path for the industry and public building development.”