The Land Development Agency (LDA) has purchased 108.5 hectares (268 acres) of greenfield land at Kilmartin, Dublin 15, and Calliaghwee, Co. Meath.

The lands straddle two local authorities, with about 85.7 ha (212 acres) in the Fingal County Council area and 22.8 ha (56 acres) in the Meath County Council area. They are close to established residential and employment hubs, existing bus routes and the Dunboyne commuter rail line.

The LDA said the acquisition bolsters its long-term housing pipeline. Initial studies commissioned by the Agency indicate capacity for approximately 3,000 homes, alongside commercial space and community amenities. Any scheme would be subject to rezoning, detailed masterplanning, infrastructure delivery, environmental assessment and the statutory planning process.

The Agency will now begin further feasibility and masterplanning work and will engage with relevant stakeholders as proposals advance.

The site was secured through the LDA's strategic land acquisition programme, which complements its work on State-owned land by building a long-term pipeline of well-located sites for future housing. The LDA says it has acquired ten significant privately owned landbanks to date, including sites at Clongriffin and Baldoyle in north Dublin; Jamestown in Finglas; the Royal Liver site on the Naas Road; Cookstown in Tallaght; Cherrywood in south Dublin; Swords; and Celbridge, Co. Kildare. In line with the Agency's transit-oriented development policy, these locations are well served by public transport, including the DART, the Red and Green LUAS lines and the future Metrolink. The latest purchase at Kilmartin and Calliaghwee means the LDA could deliver over 16,000 new homes in the wider Dublin area from privately acquired sites.

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne TD said: "The Government expanded the LDA's remit to ensure it could pursue opportunities such as this, bringing forward much-needed housing on privately owned land alongside its existing work on public sites.

"By applying its proven delivery model to this site, the Agency will help meet housing demand in a high-growth area while adding further momentum to an already strong development pipeline."

Phelim O'Neill, Director of Development of the Land Development Agency, said: "This is a significant strategic acquisition for the LDA and creates an opportunity for us to be a positive catalyst for residential-led delivery in a rapidly growing area of Dublin.

"The scale and location of the lands mean a coordinated and collaborative approach must be taken to ensure we are delivering not just homes but a thriving, well-served community.

"We look forward to working with the relevant local authorities, infrastructure providers, local communities and neighbouring landowners to develop a clear and ambitious plan for the area to support its phased growth."