'I was living in my parent’s converted garage. We count our blessings every day now' - Laois tenant

Laois is still in the grip of a serious housing shortage as the population continues to grow, but for some there is joy at last as they settle into new A-rated council homes for life, with the county praised as an example to others.

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage James Browne visited four new Laois social housing estates totalling 164 homes last Friday, February 13, meeting residents, cutting ribbons and praising Laois County Council as a local authority that ”stands out and delivers when it comes to social housing”.

“As Minister I want to back ambitious councils, councillors and CEOs. What I am seeing in Laois I want to see more of elsewhere. Year after year Laois has surpassed their new-build targets, and they have already exceeded last year's target within the first nine months. There is still significant need and we want to do more," the Enniscorthy man said.

He cut ribbons in Francis Dunne Court in Mountmellick with 49 homes, Harbour Court with six homes, another 83 in Rath Rua, Portlaoise and 26 in Carraig Glas, Stradbally.

The Francis Dunne Court tenants moved in last November, among them Shauna Roberts and Daniel Tuohy and their two children.

Daniel Tuohy and Shauna Roberts welcoming Minister for Housing James Browne into their new home at Francis Dunne Court, Mountmellick. Photo: Leinster Express / Laois Live. 

They spoke to the Leinster Express / Laois Live about their experience.

"The four of us were living in one room for the last three years, in my mam's two bedroom house.

“We had been renting a house in Mountmellick but it got sold, It was hard, I felt like I was under her feet, annoying her, she wasn't used to living with kids," Shauna said.

"Collecting the kids from school, bringing them home to their new house that first day, they absolutely loved it.

“Now my kids have their own bedroom, they're able to go out and play with their friends, they've learnt how to use scooters and bikes because we are in an estate now, it's amazing. We count our blessings every day now. Now my mam can call to me for a cup of tea," she said.

"This house is a life changer," said Daniel, who works in the local Max shop.

"We want to thank Paddy Bracken and everybody on the council who did this for us. We are very grateful," he said.

Francis Dunne Court ribbon cut by Minister Browne. Photo: Jeff Harvey

Francis Dunne Court was built by Carroll O'Keeffe construction from Clonaslee, led by developer Cubic Housing, and sold to the council once complete, a 'tsurnkey development' for €16.5 million, or about €400,000 each.

Laois County Council CEO Michael Rainey said it is “value for money”.

“We are very happy with how it turned out, they have a very high finish. It puts a dent into the waiting list. There is still a waiting list but people are not on it for as long,” Mr Rainey said.

He said they remain committed to “delivering high-quality, energy efficient homes that support sustainable, vibrant communities”.

“This is not just about reaching targets, but about putting keys in people’s hands, building communities,” he told the Leinster Express.

In Stradbally, one of the single storey houses in the council's directly built 26 hom estate Carraig Glas, is now home to married couple Marie Davis and Sally Clifton.

Marie Davis and Sally Clifton welcome Minister Browne and Cllr Paschal McEvoy to their new home in Carraig Glas, Stradbally. Photo: Leinster Express / Laois Live.

They had been living on a boat moored on the Grand Canal in Vicarstown waiting on the housing list for the past six years.

“We are getting old, both in our 70s now. The boat was warm but we had to use a stove, and there’s no water in the canal now anyway as its being repaired so we would have had to move,” Sally said.

“It’s lovely here, very peaceful, our view is of Oughavale woods, the homes are well built, it's warm, there’s a nice mix of neighbours. We really lucked out,” Marie said.

Also in Carraig Glas, Alison McDermott from Abbeyleix is delighted to get a house for her and her 4 year old son James.

“I was living in my parent’s converted garage. It was very cold. We moved in here last September around Electric Picnic time, it was crazy.

“I absolutely love being here, Stradbally is a beautiful town, all the neighbours are lovely. My house is so warm and James has his own room, I’m so grateful, I’ll never complain again, just to have a home, a nice warm place,” Alison said.
The Laois CEO Mr Rainey confirmed that Carraig Glas has green space for further houses into the future.

“There is a huge demand for these houses here so we will be looking for funding to build more. Directly building them as that is the Government policy, we are keen to do more,” he said.

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne TD at Carraig Glas during his visit to Laois to officially open 164 new homes across the county. Picture: Jeff Harvey

Cllr Paddy Bracken of the Borris-in-Ossory Mountmellick Municipal District, has a special link to the new Francis Dunne Court, besides being the representative to Laois County Council for its new tenants.

“My great granduncle was Francis Dunne,” he said, referring to the young man who was killed during the 1798 Rebellion in the town.

“Everyone is very happy and delighted with their new homes, all modern homes, all happy families. I’m delighted for them as well, it’s a great development and thanks to Laois County Council and the staff in housing, and the Department of Housing who funded it,” he said.

Asked if it eases the local social housing waiting list, he said ”it helps”.

More happy faces as the ribbon is cut at Harbour Court, Mountmellick. Photo: Jeff Harvey

“There’s always a demand there, huge growing demand, but I’m delighted to see so many happy families here today,” he said.

Graiguecullen Portarlington Cllr Paschal McEvoy is also delighted for his local constituents in Carraig Glas in Stradbally.

“Stradbally is very lucky, it’s after getting more social houses than any other small town in Laois. We had the sites. It’s important to keep the balance between social and private housing as the town grows. There are very few estates in Stradbally that are not social housing. But it’s a lovely little town and there’s plenty of room for them. The only problem is schools and the need for the community hall," he said.

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne TD at Rath Rua during his visit to Laois to officially open 164 new homes across the county. Picture: Jeff Harvey

Richard Pike is chair of Tuath Housing's voluntary board of directors, and attended the launch of Rath Rua in Portlaoise.

“The completion of Rath Rua demonstrates what strong collaboration between Approved Housing Bodies, local authorities, Government, statutory bodies, funders, and the private sector can achieve. This development brings together private, social, and cost rental homes in a way that reflects the evolving needs of communities today. Tuath is proud to have worked with Laois County Council, the Department of Housing, the Housing Agency, the Housing Finance Agency, and Glenveagh Homes, alongside our wider partners, to deliver secure and affordable homes that will support this new community in Portlaoise for years to come,” he said.

Read next: WATCH: Ribbons cut on 164 new Lois social homes by Minister for Housing

Laois County Council extends its sincere thanks to all stakeholders who contributed to the successful delivery of these projects.

“We remain committed to working closely with our partners to advance the Government’s ambitions set out in Delivering Homes, Building Communities,” a spokesperson said.

Laois County Council's housing waiting list still stands at 1,451 names.