New developments in housing welcomed
SENIOR HOUSING Officer Padraig O’Gorman was on hand at the recent Wexford Borough District Council meeting to provide an update on housing matters and take questions from councillors.
Mr O’Gorman outlined some developments since the previous meeting, pointing out that works had started on a new housing development at Slippery Green that morning. He also drew attention to 35 turn-key units in Whiterock, the first of which would be available from the summer; and finally, he welcomed the Stage One approval for Wexford Women’s Refuge to build 12 new apartments in Maudlintown.
Cllr George Lawlor welcomed the two housing developments, saying that every house delivered took someone out of the private market and thus freed up a house in that sector where there were also challenges. There was, he said, a positive knock-on effect and he believed that with the new developments, there was a net of about 90 houses becoming available.
He also commended those involved in the Women’s Refuge, pointing out that his own party colleague and former councillor Joe Ryan, as chairperson, had worked very hard on the project. He said it was a ‘long overdue’ facility that many had campaigned for over the years.
Cllr Davy Hynes hoped that something similar could happen for Ozanam House, pointing out that it was under pressure and the situation with homelessness was not getting any better.
Cllr Tony Walsh welcomed the developments as a sign that movement on housing was starting. While he felt the council was playing catch-up, sods were turning and they were moving forward, he acknowledged.