Press Release- Official Opening of Gaol Road Crescent Housing Scheme
Official Opening of Gaol Road Crescent Housing Scheme
Gaol Road, Kilkenny
Thursday 25th August 2016
Press Release
Minister Simon Coveney officially opened the new housing scheme at Gaol Road Crescent, Gaol Road, Kilkenny on Thursday 25th August. The project is the first new housing construction scheme by Kilkenny County Council, delivered under the Social Housing Strategy 2020. The Minster welcomed the new housing scheme of 10 homes and remarked that 'projects like these, led by Kilkenny County Council, will ensure the rebuilding of Ireland under the Action Plan programme will become a success'.
The Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council Cllr Matt Doran was joined on the day from Kilkenny County Council by Cllr. Pat O'Neill Mayor. The Cathaoirleach Cllr. Matt Doran stated he was "heartened to see the recommencement of the Housing Construction Programme and very much welcome the important role of local authorities delivering increased units under the Action Plan for Housing'. This Scheme of 10 units is made up both houses and apartments with provision for ground floor accommodation. The new units meet the needs of the homeless, the elderly, the disabled and general housing needs. The Scheme is centrally located on a brownfield site in the heart of the City and the design and construction teams has created a much sought after development using the latest energy efficiency technology.
Funding of €1.2 million was allocated by the Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government to the housing scheme and Cleary & Doyle Construction Ltd were the successful building contractors. The homes have applied the latest energy efficiency technologies achieving an A rating and reducing fuel costs for the new residents.
Maria Melia - Director of Housing, Planning and Community of Kilkenny County Council outlined plans for an ambitious housing programme in the County. She stated that "to date €17 million has been secured under the construction programme for Kilkenny County Council to build 116 new homes with a further €9.8ml million announced in the last 12 months for initiatives under the Capital Assistance Scheme providing 82 units'.
Kilkenny County Council outlined that the provision of social housing is about much more than the construction of houses, with an emphasis on creating sustainable communities and fostering a quality of life. Colette Byrne, Chief Executive said that "the model here at Gaol Road Crescent is a true example of a community neighbourhood and illustrates how the provision of social infrastructure and well designed housing units can provide a holistic approach to the development of our towns and villages'.
The Cathaoirleach thanked the Housing & Community Department and wished the residents many happy memories in their new homes.
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