Louth County Council launches affordable housing scheme in Blackrock

Louth County Council has announced its support of 10 new homes, under the Local Authority Affordable Purchase Scheme, in Cois Farraige, Blackrock.

Under the Affordable Purchase Scheme, part of the Government's Housing for All Action Plan, Louth County Council will retain an equity share and successful applicants have the option of buying out this share over time if they so wish. Equity shares are calculated on an individual basis and are linked to an applicant’s income, their savings and their mortgage capacity.

Cois Farraige is a development of new homes situated close to Blackrock village and convenient to many amenities including national schools, community centre. This development – a new phase of the existing Cois Farraige neighbourhood – will total over 150 homes when completed.

The 10 available dwellings are all three bed semi detached homes which will be ready for completion in Spring 2024. They measure c112 sq m and are A2 rated with Air to Water heat pump systems. All homes are finished with a fully fitted kitchen, wall tiling, sanitary ware and are painted throughout.

They are installed with important future-proof features including wiring for solar panels and EV chargers, and the attic may be easily converted to provide additional space. Full details are available at www.louthcoco.ie/affordablehousing

Affordable Officer, Mary G Reilly of Louth Couty Council explained: “The Affordable Homes Scheme is an excellent way for Louth County Council bring the opportunity of buying a new home to a wider group of households.

"The scheme specifically targets areas where affordability is a challenge, which is why we’re very excited to be supporting this affordability scheme in Blackrock. The scheme operates through a website where applicants submit all the necessary documentation for assessment. 

"The site will open for applications on Wednesday 7th February at 12pm, and It’s crucial that intending applicants have all their documentation ready to submit at that time. This scheme operates on a first come first served basis and we anticipate strong interest.”

Joanne Lavelle of Michael Lavelle Estate Agents described the scheme as a fantastic opportunity: “This scheme is the first of its kind in Louth, and ourselves and developers, WestDalk Ltd, are delighted to be partnering with Louth County Council to bring these homes into the scheme.

"Buyers of these 10 homes will essentially be buying their home here in the usual way: they will have their mortgage application, their own solicitor, their viewing, their decisions.”

The new scheme at Cois Farraige was commenced in 2023 with around 20 homes already completed and occupied. 

The website for applications is at www.louthcoco.ie/affordablehousing. Details on the development are available at www.coisfarraigeblackrock.com.