NEW homes officially launched in Ennis this week are a “significant contribution” to meeting the county capital’s social housing need.
That’s according to Ennis Mayor Clare Colleran Molloy who was speaking at the launch by Co-operative Housing Ireland of 69 new homes in Moínear, a development in Ros Leamhain, Ennis.
Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council, Councillor Tony O’Brien officially opened the estate on Wednesday saying, “The direct delivery of homes by local authorities, and Approved Housing Bodies such as Co-operative Housing Ireland (CHI), is pivotal in addressing housing need across Ireland.
“The homes in Moínear are truly affordable, with rents linked to household income, and will provide security for CHI members. In addition to the 69 homes in Moínear, CHI has helped to deliver 78 much-needed homes in Clare since 2020.”
He pointed out the new houses are in a residential area within easy reach of Ennis town centre and near local amenities including a shopping centre which is served by a supermarket, chemist, butchers and medical centre.
He encouraged the new householders to get involved with the local community saying, “Knowing your neighbours helps to create a sense of home, home is not only about the house, home is your community, your neighbours and building relationships.”
Councillor Colleran Molloy told the launch, “Ennis is a thriving town but we do have our challenges. We are the largest in County Clare and it is key that housing is available for all including low income households.
“As the largest town there is also the greatest need. Here in Ennis we have 41%, that equates to 1,233 households, on the county’s social housing list. These 69 new homes delivered by CHI are a significant contribution to that need.”
Chairperson of CHI, Pearse O’Shiel welcomed the 69 new families to the new estate. “At Co-operative Housing Ireland our key priority is the delivery of housing for our members. And I’m pleased to say that we have been able to meet delivery targets as well as get members into their new homes despite really very challenging times with Covid-19.” CHI delivered “a record breaking” 592 homes last year he outlined.
The houses were built using innovative Insulated Concrete Forms or ICF, which is originally a Scandinavian construction technique that is now being widely adapted in Ireland.
“Moínear as you can see, is a beautiful, A-rated, 69 home development. The houses are Insulated Concrete Forms or ICF. This type of construction affords a better sound test result, greater air tightness, and ultimately warmer homes. It’s great to see such sound homes being delivered using the latest construction techniques. With the current energy crisis, it is key that new homes embrace innovation such as this.”
He continued, “These homes will go somewhat towards alleviating the pressure on the social housing waiting list in County Clare.”
Moínear is the home of 69 new families, each of whom will be a member of the Ralahine Co-operative, allowing people living in the estate to have a meaningful say in how their homes and communities are managed.
The homes were delivered in partnership with Clare County Council, the Housing Finance Agency, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, the Housing Agency, Ennis-based construction companies, Datcha Construction and Glencore Construction.