€7.5m. housing development officially opened in Castlebar
MINISTER of State with responsibility for Planning and Local Government, Alan Dillon, has today (Friday) officially opened phase two of Líos Na Circe social housing development in Castlebar.
The units, located at Saleen in Castlebar, are part of a four-phase development on a greenfield site.
Phase one comprises of 37 social and 22 affordable homes, which were completed in 2009. Phase two, which was opened by Minister Dillon today, include 22 two-, three- and four-bedroom A-rated houses.
Phase three is currently at pre-planning stage and will include 36 further social homes while stage four will comprise of 22 two-storey houses.
An innovative feature of phase three will be the inclusion of six specially designed units for wheelchair users, designed in conjunction with the Irish Wheelchair Association.
Speaking at the official opening, Minister Dillon said: “Occasions such as this provide me with the opportunity to see the magnificent work being carried out locally in relation to the important area of housing. Since receiving the honour of being appointed as a Minister to the Department of Housing, I’ve been closely involved in what is happening all over the country, but you’ll forgive me for saying that what is happening on the housing front in Mayo is something I’ll keep an extra close eye on.
“Today we are seeing the official opening of 22 new, high-quality homes for families and people in the Castlebar area. It is without doubt a very welcome addition to the social housing stock in Mayo County Council. This local authority development was funded by the government under the ‘Housing for All’ plan to the tune of €7.25 million.”
A total of 61 people will reside in these new homes for 17 families and five individuals.
Minister Dillon added: “It should be remembered that housing developments such as this are about more than bricks and mortar. They are about thriving sustainable communities and homes where people can live safely in secure and peaceful surroundings and bring up their families.”
Minister Dillon commended the contractor, Glenman Corporation, and Mayo’s in-house architects who delivered the scheme.
He also thanked the staff of Mayo County Council at all levels and local councillors for their continued efforts in addressing housing demand throughout the county.
He added: “I wish all the future residents of Líos NaCirce happiness and joy in their new homes. I look forward to further developments here and around the county in relation to social and affordable housing schemes.”