Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien, TD visits new social homes in Offaly during recent visit
Minister Darragh O’Brien welcomed the development of seventy-one (71) new build homes for those on the Council’s social housing list in Tullamore. Fifty-two (52) of these units have been allocated over recent times with a further nineteen (19) age friendly units being finalised and scheduled to be allocated in the coming weeks. They represent a combined investment of €17.2m and all units are delivered to a high quality and high BER rating.
The units delivered address the various categories of identified housing need and avail of the different development strands supported by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
Working with Hanney Properties Ltd. Offaly County Council secured eight (8) Turnkey units in Castleview, Mucklagh in 2021. A mix of three bed two storey, semi-detached units and two two bed bungalows have provided secure homes for eight (8) families.
Offaly County Council Housing staff designed and oversaw the development of an eighteen (18) social housing scheme at Chancery Walk, Tullamore. The development incorporates four (4) Traveller specific Group Housing Scheme units. The initial delivery was delayed due to Covid-19. CENA - Culturally Appropriate Homes Limited, is engaging with the Council’s Housing Community Officers to foster positive relationships across the community. In addition, the percent for art funding programme is facilitating a wide variety of cultural and environmental initiatives.
Working in partnership with Approved Housing Bodies Offaly County Council has ensured that a supply of houses continue to be delivered for social housing applicants. Minister O’Brien in launching the twenty-six (26) housing scheme developed by Cluid Housing at Jackson’s Hill, Tullamore and the nineteen (19) age friendly homes, being developed by Oaklee Housing in Clonminch, Tullamore said ‘I congratulate Offaly County Council in delivering their targets under the Housing for All 2022-2026 strategy. I am particularly impressed by their inclusive approach to meet the needs of the members of the community they serve; they have worked diligently to ensure that the houses provided will deliver healthy and sustainable communities. I particularly note the use of the self-build, turnkey, and Approved Housing Bodies delivery. On a personal level I extend my best wishes to all the families entering into their new homes in 2022 and beyond.’
I join with the Minister in wishing all the households well in their new homes.’
Chief Executive of Offaly County Council, Anna Marie Delaney noted that ‘Offaly County Council is confident of exceeding the Housing for All 2022-2026 target of 463 houses’ and informed all present that ‘the Council will see the completion of an additional 107 new build housing units across the three Municipal District areas of Birr, Edenderry and Tullamore in the first three months of 2023’. Each of these housing units, she concluded, will result in eligible households receiving keys to a high quality homes.
