Design team sought for new social housing units

An architect-led design team has been sought to oversee the proposed construction of 11 social housing units in Ballyjamesduff and at least eight more in Killeshandra.

The proposed units for Ballyjamesduff will be built within the existing Ashgrove estate in Derrylurgan, while the Killeshandra units will be developed at Portaliffe on the outskirts of the town.

The tender for a suitably qualified design team was issued by the council last week, with a deadline for interested parties of November 21.

Work is currently ongoing by local firm Hyland Construction to return two vacant properties to the housing stock at Derrylurgan, with a total of 60 properties undergoing renovation at present.

Big problem

Local Fine Gael Councillor Trevor Smith welcomed progress in relation to the proposed Derrylurgan development, saying that the shortage of housing continues to be a “big problem” for the county.

“It is great to see the tender now issued and hopefully more progress can be made in the New Year once plans are finalised,” he said.

There are just over 1,000 names on the social housing list in Cavan at present. More than half make up transfers and tenants currently in receipt of Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) or Rent Assistance Scheme (RAS). With those removed, the total core need figures at a little under 500.

Targets

The council and partner approved housing bodies are currently overseeing the construction or renovation of more than 200 housing units, with an investment of almost €30 million. Of this, projects worth €17 million are being delivered by local contractors.

However, the Ballyjamesduff and Killeshandra projects are two of several in the pipeline as the council aims to deliver some 300% above their initial housing targets for the year.

Recently contracts were signed for the development of 16 new homes in Cavan Town and Kingscourt.

Crosserlough Construction meanwhile are delivering six more new homes at Main Street, Butlersbridge.