Minister launches €12.5M worth of housing schemes

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien, has launched three Cavan housing schemes with a combined cost of €12.5 million.

Minister O’Brien was on hand as contracts were signed for a €8,584,668 development at Mullaghduff, Ballyconnell, which will see the construction of 32 two-bed units, 10 three-bed units, and one four-bed unit, all to a turnkey finish.

The Minister also joined chief executive of Cavan Council, Tommy Ryan, on a site visit to Corstruce, Ballinagh, where four two-bed terrace units are currently under construction, with an expected completion date of April this year. These four units have been funded by Government to the tune of €705,959.

Also in Ballinagh, Minister O’Brien undertook a visit to the site on the Cavan Road for a planned development of 15 units, for which his department has approved €3,294,432 in funding.

Currently the site of three derelict properties, the new development will comprise 10 two-bed units, four three-bed units, and one four-bed unit. A contractor is due to be appointed in the coming weeks, and it is hoped construction will be completed by end summer 2022.

Speaking following his Cavan visit, Minister O’Brien said it was important he visit local authorities to discuss housing targets and delivery following on from the single largest budget allocation for housing by any Government. “In Government, local and national, we share a common goal that we want all our citizens to have access to good quality housing to purchase or rent at an affordable price.

“I am glad to see Cavan County Council is committed, energised and mobilised to deliver on its ambitious delivery targets and I want to reiterate that my Department and officials are here to assist and support in realising that task.”

Cathaoirleach of Cavan County Council, Cllr Sarah O’Reilly praised the efforts of the Housing Construction team in Cavan County Council, who she said had “worked tirelessly to bring these high quality housing schemes through the design and approval process”.

Mr Ryan welcomed this latest investment in the county: “These 62 units, which will be energy efficient and completed to a high standard, showcase the variety of approaches we are taking to delivering on the strategic goals of the Rebuilding Ireland Action Plan and of Cavan County Council.

“In adding to our housing stock using construction, turnkey development, and the redevelopment of vacant and derelict sites, we are delivering on the council’s corporate objective of developing and providing quality social housing using all funding mechanisms available,” he added.

Eoin Doyle, Director of Service, stated that “the council is well-positioned to meet and exceed its targets under the Rebuilding Ireland Housing programme. In excess of 284 families were provided with assistance to housing in 2020. This collective effort reflects very well on the Housing Service in Cavan County Council.