Housing body to get money for green projects in Laois

The Housing Finance Agency (HFA) has announced funding of €250,000 to support Approved Housing Bodies and Local Authorities in the delivery of community-enhancing initiatives and facilities.

At four Oaklee housing schemes in Kilkenny, Laois, Offaly and Westmeath residents will benefit from environmental and biodiversity initiatives such as wildflower meadows, tree planting, bug hotels, hedgehog sanctuaries, community orchards and fruit & vegetable growing schemes.

The HFA, which provides financing to support the delivery of social and affordable housing, awards community project funding to customers each year through its Social Investment Fund. The fund aims to support initiatives that will complement the communities in which HFA-financed homes are built.

Kilkenny's inclusion was among 13 initiatives across 11 different counties chosen for funding.

Sharon Cosgrove, CEO of Oaklee Housing, said: "Oaklee is delighted to receive this funding award of €24,000 from the Social Investment Fund.

"This investment will enable underused waste ground at our developments across four counties to be transformed into flourishing, biodiverse communal space, designed and developed by the community in those neighbourhoods."

The Housing Finance Agency is a State-owned body that provides financing to Local Authorities, Approved Housing Bodies and Higher Education Institutions for housing-related purposes.