by Alan Jacques
FUNDING of €13 million has been allocated for the delivery of 110 social housing units in Limerick.
Limerick City and County Council this week confirmed that six approved housing bodies have been allocated combined funding of €13,036,900 which has been jointly approved by Environment Minister Alan Kelly, and Minister for State for Housing Paudie Coffey.
The local authority says it expects that newly acquired units will come on stream for people with housing need this year while it is anticipated that the newly constructed units will be completed by 2017.
As part of the funding allocation, 68 units of accommodation will be acquired or constructed at various locations throughout Limerick City to accommodate homeless persons.
The Peter McVerry Trust will acquire seven units throughout the city with the Simon Community to develop four units at Speakers Corner on Hyde Road as well as making six individual acquisitions throughout the city.
Meanwhile, the funding allocation will see Respond! construct 11 units at Shelbourne Road and Focus Ireland Housing Association building 40 units at various city locations.
Cluid Housing Association will construct 21 units of accommodation for the elderly and persons with disabilities in Castletroy, while NABCO will construct another 21 units at Drominbeg, Rhebogue, for general accommodation needs.
Director of Services, Caroline Curley, said that the Council has been advised that the Department of Environment will follow-up communication with all other approved housing bodies that have submitted projects, but have not received approval as part of this announcement.
“This confirmation from the Department is potentially positive news for some of the remaining, unapproved Capital Assistance Scheme (CAS) projects in Limerick,” said Ms Curley.
Mayor of Limerick City and County, Cllr Liam Galvin, welcomed the funding announcement and said it will assist those with specific needs such as people at risk of homelessness, the elderly, persons with disabilities and others on the social housing waiting list.
“This investment is badly needed to cope with the increased demand for social housing and will help to reduce local authority waiting lists in Limerick. These construction works will also create jobs in Limerick City and surrounding areas,” he explained.
