Fifty social homes planned for west Wicklow... and more to come

A NUMBER of plans are in place to provide social housing at different locations in west Wicklow in an effort to cut down on the growing waiting list.

Fifty houses have been approved for Burgage in Blessignton and there are also further plans for social housing in Dunlavin and Baltinglass.

Cllr Tommy Cullen, Cathaoirleach of Baltinglass Municipal District, has welcomed the recent announcements.

‘The development in Burgage was confirmed over the last few days and has already been approved with Part 8 Planning. Hopefully they will be ready for people to move into by 2020. This is very welcome news.

‘There are something like 280 people and families on the waiting list in Blessington so this will be welcome news for many. The waiting list in Blessington is actually the third largest in the county, which gives you an idea of the level of demand for housing,’ said Cllr Cullen.

The last social housing scheme built in Blessignton was Glen Ding in 2007 which has been besieged by problems.

‘It has been far too long since we started to build some social housing but at least there is now some light at the end of the tunnel,’ said Cllr Cullen.

‘We have the go ahead for eight social houses in Dunlavin. Talks have also been taking place with Cluid about providing up to 34 voluntary and social housing in Dunlavin. There are around 140 people in that area on the housing waiting list. There are also plans for 36 social houses in Whitehall, Baltinglass, so things are finally beginning to come together’.