New social housing scheme in Offaly gets the go-ahead

A NEW ten-unit social housing development in Daingean was given the go-ahead by Offaly County Council during its March monthly meeting.

The development will take place at Beechwood Court, Daingean and will include one four-bed and nine two-bed dwellings.

“This is a green field site,” a member of the Council's housing section told the Councillors, “located on Circular Road to the east of Daingean Town Centre. It's a 0.8 acre site.

“The council has recently completed the development of nine social housing dwellings to the south of the site, called Beechwood Drive.

“The proposed site in Beechwood Court is within five minutes' walk of Daingean Town Centre and its amenities such as a Community Centre, Health Centre, Shops, Post Office, Library, Pharmacy, Playground, Bus Stop, Primary School, Church and Child Care Centre.

“The development will be ten housing units consisting of one single storey four bed dwelling and nine 2 bed single storey units in two terrace blocks. All the dwellings are being provided as social housing units. Considering the current need for social housing in Daingean the Council is carrying out this development. The proposed development will provide Social Housing for those currently on the housing waiting list. In this instance the development is proposed to serve the needs of older people in the area while the single storey house will provide accommodation for a family with specific medical needs.”

High quality materials will be used in the development to give a contemporary architectural finish to the scheme. The development will be landscaped with suitable paving and footpaths, planter beds, and soft planting and finished to provide a “high-quality estate with a strong sense of place and ownership for the occupants.”

The development was proposed and seconded by councillors.