Way paved for 1200 new homes

DUNDALK’S western hinterland is set for a transformation with up to 200 homes being planned for Mount Avenue by 2021, with the potential for 1,200 homes to be built there in the long term.

Plans for the major development emerged after it was confirmed a €3.33million grant has been awarded for an access road at Mount Avenue under the Local Infrastructure Housing Fund (LIHAF).

Located to the west of the town, and the Dublin-Belfast railway line, the proposal is for a major new access road which will open up zoned industrial land at around 43 hectares for development.

Plans for the Mount Avenue upgrade are set to feature ‘approximately 2 kilometres of varying width single carriage- way, and will support the initial development of 200 homes, with a potential for up to 1,200 homes on the wider lands.’

The Argus has also learned that the works were identified on foot of an An Bord Pleanala decision which had refused permission for housing on the grounds of poor road infrastructure.

Welcoming the funding announcement, Dundalk TD Peter Fitzpatrick said: ‘I am steadfast in my determination to secure more homes for the people of Louth.

We are committed to providing good homes for all with the proper facilities and amenities in their neighbourhoods. Louth’s new funding represents an effective use of targeted funding to achieve real results for ordinary citizens.’