RONAN FAGAN
The provision of housing in Athlone has received a welcome boost with the launch of residential units on the east and west of the town.
On Friday morning last, outgoing Cathaoirleach, Westmeath County Council, Cllr Aengus O’Rourke, presided over the respective residential units unveiling, the local authority acquiring the 29 properties courtesy of two housing scheme initiatives.
Baylough was the location for the inaugural unveiling, the 19 houses in Annsfield Court acquired by the local authority under the turnkey initiative programme.
Cllr O’Rourke afforded a detailed insight to the quality of the residential units constructed noting that the new tenants were now in possession of their keys.
“The houses were purchased from M&M Prime Holdings Limited and constructed by Mulleady Properties Ltd. and consist of 19 three bedroom two storey houses, timber frame in construction with a brick or rendered block external finish.
“Each house is fitted with air to water heat pumps providing central heating and hot water. The houses have a very impressive BER rating of A2 and will be exceptionally efficient to run.
“Each house has its own rear garden with many having a south facing orientation, while there is a privacy strip to the front of 15 houses with brick walls and ornate entrance gates and railings.
“Facilities for charging electric vehicles has also been provided, the estate extremely well finished with on street parking for all residents.
“The proximity of Annsfield Court to the heart of Athlone town centre is a further positive for the residents now living in this development,” Cllr O’Rourke said.
The councillor noted that his optimism for the provision of residential units in the District with numerous schemes under construction, the aspiration for the local authority being the reduction of the social housing list in due course.
“While this scheme took longer that any of us would have liked regarding housing allocation, the important aspect is that all tenants are now in situ. I wish to thank all those who were allocated these houses for their co-operation and patience, there was a long wait to finally get the keys to your home, but I think you will agree it was worth it.
“I have to say that in Athlone and within this District I am a lot more optimistic and upbeat about our housing situation than I was in previous times. Today, the stalled schemes like Castlestar, and our own Lissywollen to name just two, are either back on site working away or are about to start again. These two schemes alone will deliver close to 1,000 housing units for Athlone.
“There are another 500 to 600 houses in the pipeline with planning approved and construction soon to commence at Drumaconn, Ballymahon Road, Connaught Street, Coosan and Cloghanboy.
“We still have in excess of 400 individuals on the housing list in this District so the current property challenge which we are all trying to help people through will take another year to 18 months to ease. I do think that by the end of 2024 we will be in a much better place,” Cllr O’Rourke stated.
Bower Hill Launch
A prime development on the east side of Athlone, close to the heart of the town, Cllr O’Rourke, noted that 10 houses within the aptly located Bower Hill were acquired by Westmeath County Council under the Local Authority Affordable Purchase Scheme.
“Bower Hill is a development in the heart of Athlone comprising 55 houses in total, 10 of which were made available to the public in conjunction with Westmeath County Council under the Local Authority Affordable Purchase Scheme, one of the first such schemes in Ireland.
“The homes made available consist of one two bedroom, eight three bedroom and one four bedroom properties, these residential units being made available to purchase by first time buyers with some exceptions.
“An online portal opened for applications and over 90 applications were received by Westmeath County Council. Applications were assessed based on ‘first come, first served’ rule and in conjunction with the council’s scheme of priority, because, as expected, the scheme was oversubscribed.
“Applicants must have their own funds by way of mortgage and/or savings and together with the equity from the council this allows the applicants to purchase the house at a more affordable price.
“Some successful applicants have received the keys to their new homes already with more the pipeline. The new householders are delighted, they are now in possession of their new home, a feat which they believed to be impossible had it not been for the affordable purchase scheme.
“I want to compliment PD developments, and all involved in this development for the excellent standard of house and exterior finish, these certainly are very desirable homes and to conclude, I wish all those who will live here, good health and every good wish for the future,” Cllr O’Rourke concluded.
