Housing Minister enjoys the view from new social homes in Dundalk

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien TD, visited Clúid Housing’s newest social homes in Dúiche Roden, Dundalk, Co. Louth.

The scheme is being built in three phases, and when complete will provide secure, high-quality homes for 133 families on Louth County Council’s housing list.

During his visit, Minister O’Brien enjoyed views of the entire development, and the adjacent Icehouse Hill Park, from the top floor of the recently completed apartment block. The apartment block, composed of five floors and 14 one- and two-bed apartments, will be managed by Clann, Clúid’s age-friendly offering, for residents aged 55 and older. All the apartments were designed and developed using the principles of Universal Design, to ensure their new residents can age in place and enjoy their homes for many years to come.

While the residents of the apartment block will be getting their keys in the coming days, residents of phase one – a mix of 47 two-, three- and four-bed houses and bungalows – have already settled in their new homes.

Emma McCaffrey, resident of Dúiche Roden, said: “We’ve been living in Dúiche Roden for a couple of months now, and I have to say, the location is great. Everything is right at your doorstep – the local park, the shopping centre and the main town centre are all within walking distance. The estate itself is nice and quiet. My kids love it as they have made some new friends here.”

Minister O’Brien, along with the Cathaoirleach of Louth County Council, Cllr Conor Keelan, Chief Executive of Louth County Council, Joan Martin, and other attendees also visited the final phase of the development, which is currently under construction. The 72 houses and apartments being developed and built by Sonas and OHMG Construction are due to be completed in autumn.

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien TD said: “It’s wonderful to be here today to see the great progress being made. I’m delighted to see these brand new age-friendly apartments. New residents will soon get their keys, so they can join the 47 other families who have already made Dúiche Roden their home. I commend Louth County Council and Clúid Housing for their hard work in producing these beautiful, well-designed homes, and I look forward to seeing the completed development, as we continue to support them to deliver on the Government’s Housing for All targets.”

Cathaoirleach of Louth County Council, Cllr. Conor Keelan, commented at the visit, “On behalf of Louth County Council I am delighted to welcome Minister O’Brien to Dúiche Roden, where he can see first-hand the incredible work which has taken place to provide a range of quality, future-proofed new homes. It is wonderful to see the many individuals and families who have already moved in after the first phase of the development was completed, and are a part of the community here in this beautiful part of Dundalk.”

Chief Executive of Louth County Council, Joan Martin, stated, “It is fantastic to see the huge progress that has been made at Dúiche Roden, as a result of Louth County Council’s partnership with Clúid Housing.  County Louth has been given very ambitious social housing targets under the government’s Housing for All strategy, and we are delighted that this development will provide new homes for 133 families from the council’s social housing list. The high standard of these housing units also support Louth’s age friendly principles, and will allow residents to enjoy living here for many years to come.”

Eibhlin O’Connor, Acting Chief Commercial Officer, Clúid Housing, said, “We’re delighted to welcome Minister O’Brien, Cllr Keelan and Joan Martin to our new development at Dúiche Roden, Dundalk. This development is a perfect symbol of Clúid’s on-going relationship with county councils like Louth – we see families in phase one settling in and building a home and community, residents in the next phase are about to get their keys to their forever home, when they can grow old securely and comfortably, while across the development, we see the next phase under construction, which will provide even more much-needed social housing for the area.”

The scheme is being delivered using Clúid’s bespoke Developer Design and Build process, whereby Clúid purchased the site and entered into a developer an agreement with Sonas, who then managed the design and construction of the project. The project has benefited from support from Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, the Housing Finance Agency, the Housing Agency and Louth County Council.

ENDS

Notes to the Editor:

Fiona O’Connor – Communications & Engagement Manager – Clúid Housing

+353 87 113 5411 – foconnor@cluid.ie

About Clúid Housing

Clúid Housing is an independent, not-for-profit charity, and is the largest approved housing body (AHB) or housing association in Ireland. Established in 1994, Clúid leads the way in providing high quality, affordable rented homes to people in housing need. We work in partnership with local authorities to provide housing to those on social housing waiting lists. Clúid own and manage over 10,000 properties providing a home to over 27,000 people.

Clann is Clúid’s dedicated age-friendly housing service for people over 55. Clann is committed to providing quality housing and services that enable people to create homes and thriving communities. Clann is committed to empowering residents to live for as long as possible in sustainable, high quality, affordable homes in their own community.

Our team of almost 300 highly qualified professional employees are committed to providing quality housing and services that enable people to create homes and thriving communities. For more information visit www.cluid.ie