26 More Social Homes Under Construction in Castleblayney

A further 26 social housing units are expected to be delivered in Connabury, Castleblayney within the next year, with Minister of State for Local Government and Planning John Cummins visiting the development on Monday, October 12, as part of a housing-focused trip to County Monaghan.

The visit followed the official opening of 51 new social housing homes at Slí Lorcáin in Monaghan Town earlier in the day.

Welcoming the minister to Castleblayney, Deputy David Maxwell said the development's location, within walking distance of the town centre, would make it an attractive place for future residents.

"It's within walking distance of the main street and is a great development here in Castleblayney," he said.

Deputy Maxwell said he expects the homes to be ready for occupation in around 11 months' time.

"This time next year, hopefully, the keys will be handed out to the people around Castleblayney," he said.

Cathaoirleach of Monaghan County Council Aidan Campbell thanked Minister Cummins for visiting the county and welcomed progress on the scheme.

"We're here in Castleblayney looking at 26 homes under construction. We're always pushing for more, but it's great to see this work happening," he said.

Addressing those present, Minister Cummins stressed the importance of partnership between local authorities, approved housing bodies, the Land Development Agency and the private sector in meeting housing demand.

"It's the partnership approach," he said. "Without that collaboration and partnership approach, it doesn't work."

The minister highlighted the role of the Housing Activation Office in helping local authorities unlock sites and overcome infrastructure challenges that can delay housing projects.

"It's about unlocking sites for development, but also where there is an issue, be it ESB, be it Uisce Éireann, whatever it is, the Housing Activation Office can put their hand in and try to resolve those points at the appropriate time," he said.

While acknowledging challenges remain, Minister Cummins pointed to the scale of State investment in housing.

"One euro in every three that's going to be spent over the next five years is going to be spent on housing or infrastructure from the State," he said.

Sinn Féin councillor Paul Gibbons also raised concerns about social housing income limits, arguing that increases in the minimum wage had left many people just above the qualifying threshold for support.

Describing it as "a massive issue", Cllr Gibbons said there were "so many people just over" the limit who were struggling to access housing. In response, Minister Cummins said the matter is currently under review. "We're reviewing it now," he said. "We're reviewing the matter."

Following the visit, Monaghan County Council Director of Housing Olga McConnon welcomed the continued progress being made across the county.

"It's great to deliver another 51 units in Monaghan Town and 26 here that are under construction, and obviously all the other developments that are happening in County Monaghan at the minute," she told The Anglo-Celt.

Ms McConnon thanked the Department of Housing for its ongoing support but said her key ask of Government was an increase in the general grant provided to local authorities.

"We need a significant increase and we need it as soon as 2027," she said.