“Delighted”to see bulldozers knock
down houses

Demolition work on unfinished units at the Battery Court in Longford town has been met with the approval of residents who actually live in the estate.

The work, which is being financed by the estate’s original developers after they agreed on a Site Resolution Plan with Longford County Council, will see 38 unviable units torn down - a move which local residents are happy to see.

“We’ll be living here four years next year and we’re absolutely delighted to see this happening,” said Celine Moran, who lives in Battery Court.

“It was more than just an eyesore; it was attracting a rough crowd from the town and teenagers went drinking there at the weekends.

“Some bikes had been robbed in the area and windows were being broken.

“As well as that, it was unsafe for kids.”

Ms Moran added that other issues have yet to be resolved, however.

“It was fine when we moved in but some of the lights have started going and there are no lights in some sections now.

“It’s pitch dark at night and it’s a hazard.”

While admitting that some problems have still to be addressed, Terry Rooney, who is heading the local authority’s Unfinished Housing Estates team, expressed his satisfaction at the work currently being carried out.

“The issues that remain before the County Council can take the estate in charge are fairly minor,” he explained.

“We’re hopeful that it will be taken in charge by next spring, and the land where the demolition work is being carried out will become a green area.”

Also welcoming the demolition work at Battery Court was Fintan McGill of Sherry Fitzgerald McGill, the auctioneers with responsibility for selling the housing units in the estate.

“It’s great to see it, and I have to compliment the work being done by the County Council,” he told the Longford Leader.

He also revealed that all housing in the estate has been sold, adding that, “We’re hoping to have full occupancy by the middle of next year. The address is very desirable.”