Meath set for €8m windfall to build 700 new houses

A MASSIVE investment of over €8 million in social housing in Navan and Ratoath could see work begin on 700 homes within months, as well as creating the potential for 2,170 houses in the long term.

Relief is on the way for many of Meath’s 4,000 families on the housing list, following the announcement by Junior Housing Minister, Damien English after yesterday’s cabinet meeting.
The minister confirmed a €8,180,000 cash injection for Meath from the new Local Infrastructure Housing Activation Fund, which will see work begin on a distributor road and 400 houses at Farganstown, Navan and an outer relief road and 300 houses at Ratoath within months.
A sum of €5.68 million has been allocated to the Farganstown area of Navan to provide access infrastructure and 400 houses immediately, while the infrastructure will leave potential for 1800 houses in the long term.
An outer relief road and 300 houses will be provided in Ratoath at a cost of €2.5million, while the access infrastructure provides for 370 houses in the long term.
Minister English said: “The Government is very serious about tackling Meath and Ireland’s housing crisis. This new fund shows it is a priority. It represents joined up thinking, pooling of resources and innovation between local and national Government and private partners to achieve real results for local communities and for families who need homes. 
“This announcement is not just about new homes for Navan and Ratoath, it means that both of these two communities and our county can grow and develop to their full potential in every respect, economically as well as socially and sustainably.”
Cllr Jim Holloway said: “The development of the lands at Farganstown has long been a priority for me as a local councillor for Navan. I am delighted with this news  which will mean 400 homes in the short term, with a long term potential for 1,800 new homes. This development will allow Navan to reach its full potential, consistent with its Local Area Plan, the County Development Plan and Meath’s Economic Strategy.
“Furthermore it means upwards of 1,800 families into the future have the dignity and the comfort of a home to call their own, convenient to where they work, are educated and can play.”  

Cllr Darren O’Rourke welcomed the announcement, pointing out that the county council’s settlement officers have said the housing problem has never been worse.
“Any measures to address the problem is welcome and I hope that community amenities will also be provided in these plans,” he said.