'Really positive day for Louth' - Nearly 100 social housing units in new Dundalk estate
The new housing estate named Fulacht Fia on Mount Avenue was opened by Minister for Housing James Browne
A new social housing estate has been opened on Mount Avenue in Dundalk.
The Phase One opening of the Fulacht Fia housing estate was opened by Minister for Housing, James Browne.
When fully completed, Fulacht Fia will deliver 93 social housing units, comprising a mix of house types designed to meet the diverse needs of households in Dundalk, including those tailored for people with disabilities and older people.
Phase 1 delivers 52 homes, which are now completed, with the remaining units due for delivery by year end.
Minister Browne said the estate represents a "worthwhile" outcome for the Government's near €33 million investment.
“The Government has put in funding towards 52 social homes of the 93 that have been delivered here, that’s about a €33 million investment. That is an investment that is really worthwhile when you see the outcome that has been delivered here by Louth County Council," he said.
Minister Browne said it is "fantastic to see" both Louth County Council and local councillors "pulling together" to deliver housing in the county.
"A really positive day here in Louth, I’m delighted to be here in Fulacht Fia here in Dundalk, to see the outcome of a lot of investment from the Government, but also hard work by the local authority and the local politicians - everyone pulling together.
It’s fantastic to see lovely houses and lovely landscaping. It is all about people having homes and being able to build that community. We’ve 93 homes here and over 50 of them are social homes to help people get homes in their local communities," he said.
Cllr Seán Kelly, Cathaoirleach of Louth County Council praised the local authority's housing output.
“Fulacht Fia is a fantastic development here on Mount Avenue - 93 new units coming on board on a phased basis. It’s really great that we’re doing so well with social housing in Louth.
We’re way ahead of the national average and that’s down to the dedication of Ger Murphy and his team in Louth County Council. It’s great to see that people are able to get a permanent home that are on the social housing list. For myself personally, as a councillor for this area it’s great to see this development. Great quality housing in the local area for families that need it," he said.
Minister for State with responsibility for older people, Kieran O'Donnell said some of the new units allow for greater integration.
"Today is a great day for all of the people in Louth, to bring forward projects like here. The fact that you’ve nine units in this complex that are age friendly and disabled friendly. I’m a big believer in the integration of them. I want to see young and old, people that are able bodied and people that are disabled all living in the same environment,” he said.
The opening of the estate was attended by a selection of local representatives such as TDs Erin McGreehan and Ruairí Ó Murchú, Senator Alison Comyn and councillors Robert Nash and Maeve Yore.
Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.