Housing Minister visits social and affordable housing developments

Darragh O'Brien visits Dunshaughlin to turn sod on second phase of Lagore Lawn as well as new schemes in Kells including the Carrick St Regeneration Project

The sod was turned on the second phase of the Lagore Lawn development in Dunshaughlin by Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien, who also met with residents and viewed the first phase of the development when he visited on Thursday morning,

The sod turning ceremony to mark the start of phase two of the project was led by Minister O'Brien and supported by Meath County Council Cathaoirleach Sean Drew, Minister of State for European Affairs, Thomas Byrne TD and Deputy Chief Executive, Des Foley.

The first phase of the development was completed in November 2021 with a total of 26 houses constructed and included the provision of nine affordable sites to be sold to qualifying individuals and families to build their own homes. The second phase will see the construction of an additional 42 houses and a further five affordable sites.

Commenting Minister O’Brien said: “A big priority for me is those people who are saving away, working away and finding it very difficult to be able to own a home, that is why affordable housing is so important. We have a target of 4,100 affordable houses this year and on 1st July we will be launching the ‘First Home’ Affordable Purchase Shared Equity Scheme.

"This scheme, jointly supported by the State and participating retail banks, aims to bridge the gap for eligible purchasers between their deposit and mortgage, and the price of the new home within price ceilings established across the country. I was really glad to meet Chelsea and Ivy, new residents in Lagore Lawns, and visit the house that they are going to call home for life.”

Welcoming the residents to Lagore Lawn, Cathaoirleach Cllr Sean Drew said: “We are all acutely aware of the importance of having a secure and comfortable home, and this is what has been achieved for so many families through Phase 1 of this project. I want to welcome the residents to their new home and to the community and to wish each family every happiness in the years ahead as they make this development their home.”

Cllr Drew went on to wish the project team, the contractor and staff every success and safety during the second phase of the construction and said he looked forward to returning in the coming months to see the progress.

Minister O’Brien also visited Kells and received a tour of Riverside, a 40-house development which was completed in February 2021. The Minister then received a briefing from the Cllr Drew on the ‘Carrick Street Regeneration’ Project.

A total of 49 units will be provided with a mix of one bed, two bed and three bed units, reflecting the social housing need in Kells which is primarily one and two bed, and also allowing for older persons to live within a town centre location.

In addition, 16 of the units will be designed to Universal Design access standards to allow for future proofing of the properties as people’s needs change during the course of their lifetime.

Speaking about the regeneration project, Minister O'Brien said: “I am really glad, along with my Department, to support the fantastic plans for the Carrick Street Regeneration Project.

“Tackling vacancy and dereliction is a top priority and we want to renew and rejuvenate our towns and villages. This project has my full backing and my Department will work with Meath County Council, regarding the delivery of all its social housing projects including the project at Carrick St. Kells, engagement includes structured quarterly meetings to review progress on projects.”