Bank of Ireland finances first phase of major 576-home development in Athlone

Representatives photographed at the Plovers Wood development in Athlone, County Westmeath.

Pictured at the Plovers Wood development in Athlone, from left to right, are Andrew Conway and Philip McDonnell of Bank of Ireland’s housing finance unit, Niall O’Connor of Alanna Homes, and the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne TD.

 

  • Development to be one of the largest residential schemes in Westmeath
  • Almost one third of homes to be allocated for social housing

8 May 2026: Bank of Ireland is financing the first phase of a new residential development by Alanna Homes in Athlone. The scheme has full planning permission for 576 homes in total and represents a significant addition to housing supply in the region.

Construction is already underway at the Plovers Wood development, being delivered in partnership with Westmeath County Council. When complete, the development will include a mix of houses and apartments, including 174 social housing units and two crèches.

Brian Gaffney, Head of Residential and Development Finance at Bank of Ireland, said: “Addressing Ireland’s housing challenge requires strong collaboration across the public and private sectors. Plovers Wood demonstrates what can be achieved when funders, developers and local authorities work together, supported by Government initiatives. Bank of Ireland is proud to support this development and remains committed to increasing housing supply nationwide through both debt and equity financing.”

Tom Freeman, Development Director, Alanna Homes, said: “Alanna Homes is delighted to complete our latest transaction with Bank of Ireland, which secures financing for our Plovers Wood development. We deeply value the flexible and constructive relationship we have built with Bank of Ireland and look forward to partnering with them on future strategic initiatives.”

The development is being supported by the Department of Housing, Local Infrastructure Housing Activation Fund (LIHAF) for the delivery of the access road, the Department of Housing (Social Housing Investment Programme) and the Housing Agency.

Bank of Ireland is currently supporting the construction of around 26,000 homes, across all housing types, on 214 sites in 21 counties.