An unfinished housing estate in Laois that was left to lie derelict, is to be renovated and completely bought up by the local authority for social housing.
The development of houses is in Borris-in-Ossory, behind the former Leix County Hotel.
Left unfinished over a decade ago, it has suffered several fires and was a concern for anti-social behaviour.
Laois County Council has now done a deal to purchase all 26 houses there as a 'turnkey' development, meaning it will be completely finished by a developer and then sold to the council, fully ready for new tenants.
It will have four 3 bedroom two storey homes, 12 two storey houses with two bedrooms and 10 bungalows with two bedrooms.
Cllr Conor Bergin has welcomed the purchase as "fantastic news" speaking at the January council meeting where the deal was reported.
"These 26 houses have been derelict since they were built around 2010. There was a fire that did extensive damage. I know there are a lot of single people on the housing waiting list. They are often overlooked in housing schemes that are geared towards families," he said.
The estate on the Rathdowney road was formerly known as Deanswood, now called Townparks by the council.
“I am delighted that they will be fully renovated for the benefit of local people. I am anxious that these houses will be prioritised for single and older local people living in the area with a genuine housing need.
“Borris-In-Ossory is a fast growing village with both a young and older population. Since the village was bypassed by the new motorway in 2010, the local community have worked hard to regenerate the village working closely with Laois County Council. The new playground which is being constructed at the moment, the planned renovation of the courthouse and new housing in the village are all positive signs of progress in the area.
He said it should be finished next year.
“I have been advised by the Council that it is anticipated to be 2024 before the houses will be finished and that no decision will be made on allocations of the houses to tenants until next year. I have had a number of local people in contact with me already regarding the houses and I will continue to make strong representations on their behalf to Laois County Council," Cllr Bergin said.
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