43 social homes in two new developments unveiled
Meath social housing stock has received a much needed boost through two new development's in Athboy and Trim which were officially opened last week.
A council housing scheme at Connaught Grove, Athboy, has delivered 32 new homes, while in Trim an unfinished retail development on Emmett Street has been transformed to provide 11 new units through the North and East Housing Association.
The new scheme at Connaught Grove, Athboy, was officially opened by Damien English TD, Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development last Friday and proivdes a mix of 10 two-bed, 20 three-bed and two four-bed houses.
The €8.175 million scheme was funded by the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government and all units are now occupied by tenants.
Minister English welcomed the delivery of the development and acknowledged the contribution of Meath County Council in addressing the challenges faced in the housing sector. He noted that this scheme is in addition to a further 19 direct build projects by the Council at various stages of construction which will deliver in the region of 340 units between now and 2020.
The Cathaoirleach of Meath County Council, Cllr Tom Kelly said: “It’s fantastic to meet some of the new residents living in these homes and to see the Council achieving real progress in addressing the housing problem.”
In Madeline and Danny Marini's new house in Connaught Grove, Athboy, are, Damien English TD (Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government), Danny and Madeline Marini, Cllr Sarah Reilly,Cathaoirleach of Meath County Council, Cllr Tom Kelly and Jackie Maguire, CEO, Meath County Council.
Meanwhile, Millrace Court unveiled last week by the North and East Housing Association at Emmett Street, Trim, comprises seven family and four one-bed apartments.
The development was part funded by Meath County Council in association with the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government and loans from the Housing Finance Agency.
Commenting on the launch the Chief Executive of Meath County Council, Jackie Maguire said:
“Meeting the housing needs of individuals and families is the Council’s main priority and we were particularly happy to work in partnership with the North and East Housing Association to provide these high quality new homes in Trim. We hope that all the families who have taken up residence will enjoy many wonderful years here.”
The North and East Housing Association celebrates its 25th anniversary this year and Chairperson John Ryan said the aim of the association was to provide high quality homes in vibrant communities.
Minister English visited Millrace Court to meet new residents and also launched the association’s 2017 annual report .
“All the new residents who have been housed in Millrace Court have been nominated from Meath County Council’s social housing list. Not only is North and East doing excellent work in providing badly needed homes for people, but it is also supporting urban regeneration. Previously this unfinished development lay derelict for several years and it is wonderful to see it repurposed for the benefit of the community while also revitalising the streetscape of Emmet Street in Trim,” he said.
Separately plans by Meath County Council for 26 new social homes at Lagore Road, Dunshaughlin are now on public display.
The proposed development is made up of six one-bedroom duplex units, 11 two-bedroom two-storey units, eight three-bedroom two-storey units and one four bedroom, two-storey house. Access is to be provided through the existing Lagore Estate.