Clúid Housing Association Secures €10.77 Million Contract for Older Persons Social Housing in Athy

A construction contract for 34 older persons social housing apartments worth €10.77 million has been awarded by Clúid Housing Association. The contract, won by Axis Construction Limited, demonstrates how Irish Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs) are delivering much-needed social housing for older persons through the construction of high-quality, accessible accommodation.

Introduction

Every older person deserves a safe, comfortable, and accessible home that supports independent living. In Athy, County Kildare, 34 new social housing apartments are being built specifically for older persons, providing high-quality accommodation for those in need. Clúid Housing Association has taken a significant step to deliver this project by awarding a new construction contract.

While not a headline-grabbing mega-project, this contract is fundamental to addressing the housing needs of older persons in Ireland. It reveals a great deal about how Approved Housing Bodies are delivering social housing through structured construction procurement.

Why This Contract Matters

Ireland faces a significant shortage of social housing, particularly for older persons who require accessible, age-friendly accommodation. Clúid Housing Association is one of Ireland's largest Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs), providing social housing across the country. This project at Riversdale View, Athy, will deliver 34 new apartments specifically designed for older persons.

The project is located on the former Dominican Lands in Athy, County Kildare, and will provide high-quality, accessible accommodation for older persons, supporting independent living and community integration. The development is part of Ireland's broader social housing delivery programme.

Contract Timeline

• Previous notice referenced: 1ab15aa6-61ad-41b7-9156-ad6b479ca5d9-02
• Contract award notice published: 30 July 2026 (OJ S 145/2026)
• Date winner chosen: 6 May 2025
• Contract concluded: 22 July 2026
• Estimated duration: 27 Months

Contract Overview

Clúid Housing Association conducted an open procedure for a works contractor for the construction of 34 older persons social housing apartments at Riversdale View, Green Alley, Athy, County Kildare. The contract also includes the role of Project Supervisor for the Construction Stage (PSCS).

The estimated value of the contract was €9,000,000, with the actual awarded value being €10,767,474.83. The contract duration is 27 months. The procurement received six tenders, with Axis Construction Limited selected as the winner. The award criteria were weighted: quality (60%) and cost (40%).

Key Contract Details

Detail	Information
Contracting Authority	Clúid Housing Association
Winning Bidder	Axis Construction Limited
Contract Subject	Construction work for multi-dwelling buildings and individual houses (CPV 45211000)
Procedure Type	Open procedure
Legal Basis	Directive 2014/24/EU
Estimated Value (ex-VAT)	€9,000,000.00
Value of Contract Awarded	€10,767,474.83
Tender Value	€10,200,158.34
Contract Duration	27 Months
Number of Apartments	34
Award Criteria	Quality (60%), Cost (40%)
Bids Received	6
EU Funding	None disclosed
Covered by GPA	Yes
Review Organisation	The High Court of Ireland

Project Scope

The contract covers the construction of 34 older persons social housing apartments at Riversdale View, Green Alley, Athy, County Kildare. The scope includes:

• Construction of 34 Apartments: Construction of 34 social housing apartments specifically designed for older persons, incorporating age-friendly and accessible design features.
• Associated Site Works: Site preparation, infrastructure, and landscaping works.
• PSCS Role: Provision of Project Supervisor for the Construction Stage (PSCS) services as required under Irish health and safety regulations.
• Compliance: Full compliance with all statutory requirements, building regulations, and housing standards.

The development is located on the former Dominican Lands in Athy, County Kildare, and will provide high-quality, accessible accommodation for older persons.

About the Contracting Authority

Clúid Housing Association is one of Ireland's largest Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs), providing social housing across the country. Clúid works in partnership with local authorities, government agencies, and other stakeholders to deliver high-quality, affordable housing for people in need. The association is committed to providing homes that are safe, comfortable, and sustainable, with a particular focus on meeting the needs of older persons, families, and other vulnerable groups. Clúid Housing is a body governed by public law, based in Dublin.

About the Winning Company

Axis Construction Limited is a medium-sized Irish construction company based in Dungloe, County Donegal, with extensive experience in delivering residential and commercial construction projects. The company has a strong track record in the public sector, including social housing and community infrastructure projects. Axis Construction is well-positioned to deliver the 34 older persons apartments in Athy, bringing expertise in quality construction and project management.

Procurement Analysis

Procedure: An open procedure was used, which is the most transparent and inclusive method under EU law, allowing any interested supplier to submit a bid. Six tenders were received, all submitted electronically, indicating strong competition in the Irish construction market.

Competition: Six bids were received for this contract, reflecting a healthy level of competition for social housing construction projects in Ireland.

Award Criteria:

• Quality (60%): The quality of the proposed construction approach, project management, and ability to deliver the project to the required standards.
• Cost (40%): The total cost of the construction works.

Quality Emphasis: The 60% weighting for quality reflects the importance of construction quality, project management, and compliance in social housing delivery. For housing designed for older persons, quality and accessibility are critical factors.

Site Visit: A site visit was facilitated for potential bidders to ensure they had a full understanding of the site conditions and project requirements.

GPA Status: The procurement is covered by the World Trade Organization's Government Procurement Agreement (GPA), meaning it was, in principle, open to qualifying international bidders.

Additional Procurement Facts

• Six tenders were received for this procurement.
• The contract includes the PSCS role (Project Supervisor for the Construction Stage).
• A site visit was facilitated for potential bidders.
• No EU funding was used for this procurement.
• Disputes or review requests fall to The High Court of Ireland.
• The project will deliver 34 apartments for older persons in Athy, County Kildare.

Market & Industry Perspective

The Irish social housing construction market is active, with significant government investment in housing delivery. The six bids received for this contract reflect a healthy level of competition in the sector.

The 60/40 quality/cost weighting reflects the importance of construction quality and project management in social housing delivery. For housing designed for older persons, quality and accessibility are critical factors that cannot be compromised for cost alone.

The inclusion of the PSCS role ensures compliance with Irish health and safety regulations, reflecting the importance of safety management in construction projects.

Economic Significance

At €10.77 million, this contract represents a significant investment in social housing infrastructure for older persons in County Kildare. The project will deliver 34 new homes, addressing housing needs and supporting the local economy through construction employment.

For Axis Construction Limited, the contract provides a significant revenue stream and the opportunity to demonstrate its capabilities in social housing construction.

Future Procurement Opportunities

This contract covers the construction of 34 older persons apartments through approximately 2028. Related procurement opportunities may include:

• Other social housing developments in the region
• Specialist works packages (fittings, landscaping, etc.)
• Maintenance and facilities management services
• Other housing projects from Clúid Housing Association

Opportunities for Suppliers

Construction companies active in the Irish public sector should note the importance of quality (60%) over cost (40%) in social housing procurement. Suppliers must demonstrate strong project management capabilities, quality construction experience, and the ability to deliver housing that meets the specific needs of older persons.

Key success factors include: proven experience in residential construction, strong project management capabilities, compliance with housing standards and building regulations, and the ability to deliver age-friendly, accessible design.

What Businesses Should Watch

• Similar social housing procurement opportunities from Clúid Housing and other Approved Housing Bodies.
• The evolution of housing standards and age-friendly design requirements.
• Opportunities for subcontracting with Axis Construction Limited.
• Other public sector housing and infrastructure projects in the region.

IrelandTender Procurement Intelligence

This contract is a useful case study in how Irish Approved Housing Bodies are delivering social housing for older persons through structured construction procurement. Clúid Housing Association has secured a €10.77 million contract for 34 older persons apartments, with Axis Construction Limited selected through a quality-focused open procedure.

The most notable feature of this tender is the 60% weighting for quality, which reflects the importance of construction quality, project management, and accessibility in housing designed for older persons. Quality is critical to ensuring that the apartments meet the specific needs of older residents, including accessibility, comfort, and safety. This approach recognises that the value of high-quality, age-friendly housing far exceeds the cost savings of lower-quality alternatives.

The six bids received reflect a healthy level of competition in the Irish social housing construction market, demonstrating that there is significant interest in public sector housing projects.

The inclusion of the PSCS role ensures compliance with Irish health and safety regulations, reflecting the importance of safety management in construction projects, particularly for housing designed for vulnerable populations.

For suppliers, the lesson is that quality, project management capability, and experience in delivering accessible housing are critical success factors in social housing procurement. Companies that can demonstrate these capabilities are best positioned for these contracts, even if they are not the lowest-cost bidders.

Supplier Takeaways

• Quality is the dominant factor (60% weighting).
• Proven experience in residential construction is essential.
• Accessibility and age-friendly design are key requirements.
• PSCS (Project Supervisor) capability is required.
• Cost (40%) is important but secondary to quality.
• Six bids received – healthy competition.

Key Takeaways

• Clúid Housing Association awarded a €10.77 million contract for 34 older persons social housing apartments to Axis Construction Limited.
• The project is located at Riversdale View, Athy, County Kildare (former Dominican Lands).
• Award criteria: Quality (60%), Cost (40%).
• Six bids were received, with a medium-sized Irish construction company winning.
• Contract duration: 27 Months.
• The project will deliver much-needed age-friendly social housing for older persons in County Kildare.

Conclusion

This is not a contract that will make national headlines, but it reflects something structurally important about how Ireland is delivering social housing for older persons. By awarding a €10.77 million contract for 34 older persons apartments to Axis Construction Limited, Clúid Housing Association ensures that high-quality, accessible housing is provided for those in need. The contract demonstrates the importance of quality, accessibility, and project management in social housing procurement, and the value of investing in age-friendly housing for older persons.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is Clúid Housing Association?

It is one of Ireland's largest Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs), providing social housing across the country in partnership with local authorities and government agencies.

Q: What does this project involve?

It involves the construction of 34 older persons social housing apartments at Riversdale View, Athy, County Kildare, on the former Dominican Lands.

Q: What is the value of this contract?

The contract value is €10,767,474.83.

Q: Who is the winning bidder?

Axis Construction Limited, a medium-sized Irish construction company based in Dungloe, County Donegal.

Q: Is this contract funded by the EU?

No. The notice confirms the project is not financed with EU funds, though it is governed by EU Directive 2014/24/EU.

Source: EU Official Journal, Contract Award Notice 529504-2026, OJ S 145/2026, published 29 July 2026.