A TOTAL of 12 new social housing units are to be made available in Limerick – six each in the city and county – as part of a national €32 million funding boost that is to provide 260 new homes across Ireland.
The scheme, announced by Minister for Housing and Planning Jan O’Sullivan this week is to supply housing funding worth an estimated €773,496 to the city and approximately €630,000 to the county.
Currently there are in the region of 3,500 people on the housing list in Limerick City and a further 1,600 in the county.
Bob Jordan, director of national housing charity Threshold, says the €32 million investment will “only make a small dent” in Ireland’s housing problem as the number of people on waiting lists around the country stands at around 110,000.
He added that the issue “has become far larger” than such a level of funding can address.
With regard to the situation in Limerick, Minister O’Sullivan commented: “The fact is that Limerick is seeing one of the largest housing construction programmes in the country. Tenants have moved into 33 new homes at Cliona Park, work delivering 29 homes at Vizes Court is progressing and further construction projects are in the pipeline including 70 homes in Edward Street.
“A significant proportion of the €26 million I have secured for regeneration in Limerick will fund this construction.”
She also pointed out that new homes are being provided through the rental accommodation scheme, leasing initiatives and by partnerships with the voluntary and community sector.
Minister O’Sullivan added: “The additional units that this latest round of funding will deliver in Limerick are very welcome and form part of the broader response to housing need across the city and county.”
According to the Labour Minister, the €32 million boost will enable local authorities and housing bodies to purchase specific accommodation “much of it to assist people with disabilities to live independently in the community”.
