Portlaoise train station social homes hit by delays

A delay has occurred to deliver a landmark social housing development beside Portlaoise train station that leaves tenants waiting longer for promised front door keys.

Goldencroft under construction by Clúid is to deliver 67 social homes in a mix of bungalows, houses, apartments and duplexes to cater for a range of family types.

The first phase of 37 units was due to handover in early 2023 but now it will not happen until August.

The second phase of 30 homes is promised by November.

Another Portlaoise set of houses, the final 18 homes in Clonrooske Abbey, is similarly delayed, and not due until August.

While the homes and apartments are largely completed, tenants won't be given keys until two big issues are overcome. 

Laois County Council gave an update this May to Cllr Willie Aird at the Portlaoise Municipal District meeting.

"Both Clúid turnkey schemes currently under construction have experienced delays due to financing issues and utility connections," they said.

The finance delay is blamed on a switchover to a new model of CALF Government housing fund recently announced.

The delay in connecting utilities may include gas, water and electricity, says Director of Services Simon Walton.

He will send a letter to the Department of Housing to speed them up, on Cllr Airds request.

"These two particular issues are to be raised with the Department of Housing. There are contract parties here that didn't involve the council. There are ongoing negotiations and these should not be giving rise to delays in tenants moving in," Mr Walton said.

Cllr Aird had vented ire at the delays.

"It's absolutely disgusting. Irish Water was set up by the Government. Surely you can bang heads and give connections and sort this out, after all who's paying? Here we have two projects held up because of utility services. Nobody could stand over that.

"I feel for people who are waiting for their keys. They got word on these houses in March and April and told landlords they could take back their accommodation. It's very wrong. It is a matter of urgency. To think we have two absolutely beautiful schemes lying idle. They should be allowed to occupy them and sort out the money later," he said.

Cllr Caroline Dwane Stanley seconded.

"I had motions on Clonrooske Abbey on numerous occasions. In December when phase 1 was given out it was 16 months late. Nowe we are into May. There are tenants on borrowed time in tenancies that have clearly expired, their notices to quit are gone. The landlords are allowing them extra grace. They are illegally in rented accommodation.

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"It's a sad reflection of where we're going with housing. We need to be building our own. We're not getting these types of delays. We're one step removed, it's crazy," she said.

Cllr Catherine Fitzgerald supports the demand for action by the Minister for Housing Darragh O'Brien. She suggests forming a working group to include the council, housing bodies and utilities to keep paths smooth for construction.

"We are in the middle of a housing crisis. There is an urgency to provide these houses as soon as possible," she said.