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Túath Housing – Autumn News 2014

NEW HOMES IN CONNAUGHT, LEINSTER, MUNSTER & ULSTER

Some 70 new homes were provided in September and October covering the length and breadth of the country. Amongst the new properties delivered were homes located in Galway City, Sandyford, Macroom and Cavan Town.

An Leargan, Galway City has provided twelve apartments for small families with stunning views of Galway Bay. The scheme was a design and build project facilitated by NAMA and completed by O’Malley Construction. The small block forms part of a larger completed scheme. The scheme was financed by way of State provided CALF monies (25%) and (70%) private finance, via Ulster Bank on a fixed rate basis, with the reminder of money coming from Túath Reserves (5%). It was a landmark deal for the association as it represents   our first scheme to be financed by Ulster Bank.

Thirty five families received keys to their new homes in Rockbrook, Sandyford, South County Dublin. The association worked in collaboration with Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council to let high quality accommodation via a mix of 1, 2 and 3 bed apartments for persons and families from the Council’s waiting list. The association is managing the scheme on behalf of the Council.   

Six family houses were provided in Macroom, Co Cork following completion of an unfinished estate with huge input and assistance from both NAMA and the County Council to ensure that the scheme was properly completed to enable the developments to be taken in charge by the Local Authority, satisfying existing residents along with new tenants moving in. The scheme was financed by way of State provided CALF monies (30%) and (70%) private finance via the Housing Finance Agency on a fixed rate basis. Bronagh D’Arcy, Túath’s Director of Development;

‘The acquisition was our third draw down of loan finance from the Housing Finance Agency. We sincerely thank the HFA, NAMA and the Council for their patience on what proved to be a long and drawn out project.’

OFFICIAL OPENING OF CUCHULAINN HEIGHTS, CARLINGFORD 

Apart from new projects we have also been celebrating recent projects with the official opening of one of our private leasing schemes in Carlingford, County Louth. These new homes have been a welcome addition to the association’s portfolio in the County and they have provided affordable, quality family homes in the village. The Cathaoirleach, Oliver Tully officiated at the ceremony.

Louth County Council’s Cathaoirleach , Councillor Oliver Tully carried out a tree planting ceremony on Friday 24th October which represented the official opening of ten new family homes in Carlingford, Co. Louth. Cuchulainn Heights is a partnership project between Louth County Council and Túath Housing Association which has resulted in the long term leasing of the dwellings.

Speaking at the opening, the Cathaoirleach said: “I am delighted to stand here today alongside Túath Housing who have worked tirelessly with my colleagues in Louth County Council to deliver ten houses of a very high standard.” Director of Development at Túath, Ms. D’Arcy added: “The bricks and mortar are now in place in Cuchulainn Heights but we believe that it is our tenants who create their own homes and help to develop the communities.”

BUDGET BOOST FOR SOCIAL HOUSING WELCOMED

The Association is delighted with the news that 10,000 social houses are to be built by 2018 as part of a total investment package of some €2.2 billion. The association’s chairman; Architect, James Pike welcomed the news that both Local Authorities and Housing Associations will be returning to building ; ‘ Not only will this new house building programme deliver much needed homes to thousands it will also deliver thousands of construction jobs. Ministers Kelly and Coffey are to be commended for this bold step. For our association, it does not matter who builds and owns the homes as long as they are delivered to hard pressed people and families up and down the country. We look forward to exploring new opportunities of working in partnership with Local Authorities to help develop and deliver and/or manage this new social housing in the months and years ahead.’

NEW DIRECTOR OF FINANCE & CORPORATE SERVICES APPOINTED

The association is delighted to announce the appointment of Brian O’Sullivan. Brian will lead the finance and corporate services department and as a member of the senior management team, will work closely with all parts of the Túath business. Sean O’Connor, Chief Executive, welcomes Brian’s appointment and particularly his business and sectorial experience; ‘I look forward to working with Brian and I am sure he will play a very significant role in the continued growth of the association.’