ronan fagan
Providing a welcome boost to the housing stock in the Midlands region, Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage of Ireland, Deputy Darragh O’Brien, was present in Athlone and Moate on Friday afternoon last where he performed sod turning and official opening duties at six residential developments to comprise 105 units.
During the course of proceedings, Minister O’Brien, conducted the official opening of three housing developments, namely Annsfield Court, Baylough (Athlone ), Bower Hill (Athlone ) and Mount Carmel Drive (Moate ) and also performed sod turning duties at Dun an Ri, Coosan (Athlone ), Greally Park, Clonbrusk (Athlone ) and Gort an Locha (Moate ).
Annsfield Court
Provided by Westmeath County Council, in partnership with M&M Prime Holdings by way of ‘turnkey’, these 19 homes are within walking distance of Athlone town centre. They are close to local shops, schools and all the wonderful amenities that Athlone has to offer and are finished to a high standard complete with an A2 BER rating.
“All of these properties consist of three bedrooms making them ideal for all the wonderful families who have accepted the council’s offer to reside in these new homes,” County Council Cathaoirleach, Cllr Liam McDaniel, stated, upon the official opening.
Bower Hill
Bower Hill marks the first of the Local Authority Affordable Purchase Schemes to be launched by Westmeath County Council.
“The aim of the Affordable Purchase Scheme is to allow people to purchase a home at a reduced price, in return for a percentage equity stake to be taken by Westmeath County Council.
“Of the 55 homes available at this site, Westmeath County Council, in partnership with the developers Ardent and with the support of the Department of Housing Local Government and Heritage, have made 10 homes available to buy through this scheme, and I am pleased to confirm that all 10 homes have been allocated to date. There has been a mix of housing needs met by way of purchasing these properties, from single persons to families and I hope they will all be very happy here in their new homes,” Cllr McDaniel said.
Mount Carmel Drive
Provided by Westmeath County Council in partnership with Faughnan Properties Ltd by way of ‘turnkey’ under the Housing for All Social Housing Investment Programme, nine properties were officially unveiled in Mount Carmel Drive, Moate.
“This development consists of four two-bedroom homes and five three-bedroom homes which have all been offered out to families awaiting homes on our social housing list, including one family who have recently been homeless,” Cllr McDaniel remarked.
Dún an Rí
Dún an Rí, will provide much needed homes, under the Local Authority Affordable Purchase Scheme, in Coosan.
“The Affordable Purchase Scheme allows people to purchase a home at a reduced price, in return for a percentage equity stake to be taken by Westmeath County Council.
“A total of 21 homes in this development will be made available to eligible first-time buyers at a reduced price under the Affordable Purchase Scheme. There will be two-bedroom and three-bedroom properties available. Applications for these homes will open on August 16 for a three week period.
“Constructed by Castlestar Developments, the 21 energy efficient properties will go a long way towards assisting people in Athlone and Westmeath who are looking to buy their first home,” Cllr McDaniel commented.
Greally Park
Greally Park will consist of 24 properties comprising houses and apartments. There will be 10 two-bedroom houses, one single one-bedroom house and 13 apartments, comprising one and two bedrooms.
“This development will address the housing needs for many different people especially single households and older people.
“All houses are sustainably designed and use the latest air-to-water heating technology, the main contractor for the project being OCC Construction. The houses were designed by Westmeath County Council’s own in-house architectural team with the assistance of Jennings O’Donovan Consulting Engineers, CuddyQS Chartered Quantity Surveyors and Hayes Higgins Partnership, Mechanical and Electrical Engineers.
“In Westmeath, the Social Housing Thresholds have increased twice in the last year which is very welcome and I am confident that we are making great progress under the Government’s Housing For All plan to provide homes for those qualified for social housing supports,” Cllr McDaniel continued.
Gort An Locha
Gort an Locha will realise 22 homes to be made available to eligible applicants under the Local Authority Affordable Purchase Scheme.
“These homes will be built by Irish property developer Fitzpatrick & Heavy Homes and will consist of 15 three-bedroom homes and seven four-bedroom homes. Moate is a town that has much to offer to the people that live here.
“Fitzpatrick & Heavey Homes is dedicated to providing a home built to the finest standard that are not only beautiful and functional, but also durable and energy-efficient.
“Applications for this Affordable Purchase Scheme in Gort an Locha will open online on July 26 and remain open for a three week period.
“We are delighted to officially launch this development, which will provide new and growing families in Moate and Westmeath with their first home, at an affordable price,” Cllr McDaniel noted.
Upon the last site visit at Mount Carmel, Moate, the Cathaoirleach complimented the housing stock provision progress in both towns.
“This is the last of six sites which we have visited in the District today. Through Westmeath County Council and its partners, supported by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage there are a total of 105 new properties for the people of Westmeath and hopefully those families who will reside in these homes will remain forever content,” Cllr McDaniel concluded.
