Longford's affordable housing sees a welcome positive update

Longford’s first affordable housing scheme moved a step closer last week after a multi-million euro bridging finance loan was approved for the project during the monthly local authority meeting.

The Department of Housing issued Longford County Council with approval in November to proceed with the 93 unit, turn key development, at Ard Michael on the Ballinalee Road in Longford town.

The project will include 25 affordable homes.

Last Wednesday, Longford County Council Chief Executive Paddy Mahon said a €10 million bridging finance loan was required over the duration of the contract and to cover the next 18 months to two year period.

"It is funded by the department so this activity is here just for cash flow purposes," he added.

Councillors unanimously supported and approved the application and Cllr Paul Ross welcomed what he said was a positive step and a boost for county Longford.

"I think it's one of the largest ever developments of housing by a council themselves on an excellent site.

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"It's 25 affordable houses and I think that is something that elected members have looked for for a long number of years so it is great to finally see it," he added.

Cllr Ross then asked John Brannigan, the Director of Services with responsibility for Housing, how the affordable housing scheme will work, how do people qualify and how much will it cost?

Cllr Gerry Hagan welcomed the progress and he said they had all campaigned for the project in recent years.

"I am delighted to see it coming to fruition, I would add that we don't have a local need for the other 68 social housing units.

"These can be added to an affordable housing project," he added.
Samantha Healy, Director of Services for Housing, responded to Cllr Ross's questions on the affordable housing scheme.

"We are currently developing that scheme with the intention that it will be advertised in the earliest possible period and applications will open soon thereafter and we have to have an open information session as well with all information regarding the scheme and the houses that will be available," she added.

Ms Healy said the price of the affordable housing units will be agreed in advance of the scheme being advertised.

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"The developer is prioritising building up a showhouse as well and we think that will be available for viewing in late summer, early September time and that should help," she added.

Ms Healy also responded to Cllr Hagan's comments and insisted there is a need for social housing in the Longford area.

"That is driven by the number of applicants we have for social housing in Longford and the surrounding areas.”

Ms Healy told councillors about their ongoing efforts.
"We are at the moment advertising for additional interest from developers for affordable and social housing in this county.”