Housing solution to Quay flats

A solution to the long-standing issue of Ard Dealgan - the abandoned apartment block at Quay Street which has become a magnet for anti social behaviour and criminal damage - may be on the cards after it was revealed that a housing association is in preliminary talks with Louth County Council about turning it into houses.

The Argus has confirmed that Tuath Housing are the organisation who are in early-stage negotiations with the council about developing the site, which was built by developer Tom McFeely who also constructed the Priory Hall apartment complex.

In a statement to the Argus, Tuath said: ‘ The Tuath Housing Association are working with Louth County Council to deliver a housing solution for the derelict apartments known as Ard Dealgan in Dundalk.

‘ This process is a complex one with a number of hurdles to be overcome before new homes will be provided at this location. The Council and Túath are committed to this project’.

It is understood that the organisation would seek to construct around 35 new family homes at Ard Dealgan.

At Monday’s council meeting, Sinn Fein councillor, Jennifer Green, who has led protests at the site over anti social behaviour and arson attacks, asked about the possibility of the site being turned into proper accommodation. Director of Service Joe McGuinness said the council ‘still has to secure ownership’ of the complex but confirmed that a housing association has ‘ stepped forward’ to take on the project.

Mr McGuinness said the project ‘is a development that we would like to advance’ and added that representatives from the housing association are due on site in Dundalk later this week.