Halliday’s Mill still set for social units
PROGRESS on developing Halliday’s Mill continues, councillors heard at the December meeting of Dundalk Municipal District.
Senior Executive Officer, Aoife Lawler told councillors that it was ‘really, really complicated process.’
She confirmed that a planning application had been received, and is in the ‘validation’ process.
The Housing officer added that plans to develop the former multi storey apartment block were supported by the local authority.
But she added that there wouldn’t be any concrete updates for another four to six weeks.
The former apartment complex on Quay Street has lain empty for ten years after fire safety risks were identified.
Having become a target for vandals and anti-social behaviour, intensive efforts have been made to develop the complex for social housing needs.
Speaking after the meeting, Councillor Ruairi Ó Murchú welcomed progress on the development.
‘ There have been many false dawns regarding the delivery of the 60 plus social housing units which it could yield. I am informed that currently a planning application from the proposed developer is going through a validation process and that Louth County Council are in support of the proposal, in principle.’
‘Although there may still be a long wait before families are actually living in Halliday Mills it is a crucial piece of infrastructure for Dundalk.’
The realisation of these homes will ensure that Louth County Council continues to achieve the targets set by Government in as part of Rebuilding Ireland.
‘More importantly it will mean that over 60 families will have a home of their own in which they are not subject to the whim of a landlord solely concerned with profit making. In addition the completion of this project will ensure that there is no scope for the serious anti-social behaviour which was a feature of this site for many years.’