Local Fine Gael Minister of State, Peter Burke, conducted the official launch of Baltrasna Park, an estate comprising 14 new housing units, on the Athlone Road in Moate on Tuesday afternoon.
The houses, which were funded by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, were developed by Oaklee Housing, an Approved Housing Body which develops social housing for those on the Westmeath Social Housing Support List. The houses have already been tenanted, with all occupied at present.
Speaking at the launch, Minster Burke thanked Oaklee Housing and the residents for their hospitality.
“I am delighted to be launching housing in my own constituency, and these units are all finished to an extremely high standard, with BER ratings of A1. It’s a great location too, located very close to the town of Moate and with a lovely communal area.
“I can see already that residents have all settled in and created a lovely community here. The total spend on this project has been €2.7 million.
“We have challenges in the housing sector, but significant progress has been made with units coming on stream every week, I have witnessed sites being launched in every county in the country as well as more commencement notices being served for the start of construction too. There was a 40 percent increase in these notices compared to last year and this will mean even more new homes will be built next year.
“The Government is committing record level of investment through Housing for All, with a new focus on affordable housing and cost rental, as well as social housing. We also are working to increase viability within the private sector, as we know there is huge demand for housing from all sectors in society.
“I wish all the new tenants the very best in their new homes and thank Oaklee, the developers Suntricity and Westmeath County Council for their work on this project,” Deputy Burke concluded.
