Dónal McManus, Chairperson Irish Council of Social Housing and the Mayor’s representative Cllr. Michael Looney recently launched a new development of social housing at Cuan Barra, Kilmore, Béal Átha an Ghaorthaidh by the housing body Coiste Tithe Uibh Laoire Teo.
The development comprises of three houses providing long-term accommodation for older people. Cork County Council is the sanctioning authority for the project and assisted in securing funding from the Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government and supporting its development through the Capital Assistance Scheme.
Speaking at the launch, Donal McManus, CEO of the Irish Council for Social Housing, said “This is a concrete example of the successful partnership that has been fostered between Coiste Tithe Uibh Laoire and Cork County Council. This rural revitalisation work demonstrates what smaller housing associations can achieve through the dedication and zeal of the local community. These additional low energy and age-friendly bungalows, alongside the existing campus facilities and services cater for the needs of both the local residents as well as the wider community, and they really are the lynchpin around which the resilient community of Béal Átha’n Ghaorthaidh will thrive and prosper”.
Speaking at the event Cllr. Looney stated that “supports such as these housing units enable older people to remain in their communities and are absolutely vital to rural Ireland. Housing is about being close to family and social networks and this partnership between Cork County Council and the Coiste Tithe Uibh Laoire Teo has been a great success in achieving this”. He added that this was a very high quality development and wished the residents all the best in their new homes”.
The new development was constructed by Droumleigh Construction Bantry following the turning of the sod in January 2018 and completed within budget before the end of the year. The newly completed houses bring the total to 6 units providing long term accommodation within the Cuan Barra complex.
Coiste Tithe Uibh Laoire Teo is a non-profit organisation located in the Gaeltacht village of Ballingeary in the parish of Uibh Laoire. It has developed a purpose built community centre (Cuan Barra), a childcare facility and playground (Spraoi na Laoi) along with social housing and a rural transport bus. These facilities are used regularly for a diverse range of activities to improve the lives of local people. Coiste Tithe Uibh Laoire Teo were awarded overall winner of Community and Voluntary Group at the 2014 Annual Mayor’s Community Awards.
