New scheme to be finished in ‘ 18
COUNTY Council chairman, Cllr Hubert Keaney has said it was a privilege to formally begin work on a 22 unit development in one of the most scenic, and historic settings of Sligo.
Clr Keaney was speaking as Minister for Housing, Planning, Community & Local Government Simon Coveney, turned the sod on the Fr O’Flanagan Housing Scheme. T
The main contractors for the scheme are Brendan Sammon ( Aughnasheelin) Ltd. Ballinamore.
Cllr Keaney said the development of the Fr O’Flanagan housing scheme was another good news story for Sligo “Today’s ceremony is the latest in a series of excellent initiatives under Sligo County Council’s Housing programme. This is one of Sligo’s oldest communities, the people here have a great pride in their town, its history, its folklore, its people,” he said.
Chief Executive Ciarán Hayes acknowledged the assistance and support of the Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government, ‘ without whose help we wouldn’t be investing the money that we are currently investing in the Sligo community’.
He pointed out that the development was part of 100 new housing units that the Council have in the pipeline, at various stages of approval.
“We are looking to bring these developments forward as quickly as possible with the assistance of the Department,” he said.
In addition to this, Mr Hayes stated that “the Council have renovated more than 107 void units over the past two years, and purchased 110 units in the past 5 years which had brought € 13m into the local community.”
He added: “In an area close my own heart, that of energy efficiency, the Council has upgraded in the region of 1400 houses in terms of insulation,.”
Minister Coveney stated: “That 22 high quality two and three bedroom units would be put in place close to sports and amenity facilities in a very strategic and high quality part of the city.”
Work will commence on site on the 23 February the project programme is 20 months and will be completed in Q4 2018.
The new mixed tenure scheme has been designed in- house by the Council and will conform with the new spatial and energy performance requirements.
The new development will deliver an A- 3 Building Energy Rating through the provision of high insulation standards, air to water heat pump heating systems and the provision of photovoltaic panels.
The site is ideally placed within Sligo, having pedestrian access to social facilities, shopping, public transport, and employment oppertunities.
The scheme is being constructed under a single contract in two phases to accommodate three remaining elderly residents living in the last Maisonette Block which will be demolished as part of the works.
The residents will be accomodated in the new development and thereby continuing their lifelong association with the area.