Longford-Westmeath Independent Deputy, Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran, has called on Westmeath County Council to avail of a new fund that will remove critical infrastructural blockages to allow new housing in Athlone.
The Government has set aside €150m, to be matched by €50m in local authority funding, for a new Local Infrastructure Housing Activation Fund (LIHAF ) to be spent across the next two years.
Westmeath County Council would be given access to increased borrowing from the Housing Finance Agency at low interest rates in order to facilitate their contribution when applying for funding.
“Westmeath County Council has a large land bank of 52 acres in Athlone, and I feel that this new fund can remove any infrastructural blockages that may be preventing its development,” said Deputy Moran. “This is very good news for those on the housing waiting list in Athlone, as this funding is designed to kick-start the building of homes without unnecessary and time-consuming delays.”
“However, it is very important that any future housing developments are right for the people of Athlone. In that context, the Government is committed to a mix of housing, and that is something that I am fully supportive of. We must continue to deliver a better mix of private and social housing so that mistakes of the past are not repeated as community cohesion is vital.”
“The Minister of State for Housing and Urban Renewal, Deputy Damian English, was in Athlone at the end of June to meet with myself and officials from Westmeath County Council where I pressed upon him the potential success of the Brawney site. In particular, Minister English was impressed with the pro-active approach by the county council in acquiring land for future use and with having ready-to-go projects once funding has been approved.
“The Environment Department will shortly issue a call for proposals for local authorities and housing providers to work together to access this funding and I would urge Westmeath County Council to apply immediately.”
