Latest setback to build modular housing estate for Laois social tenants

The decade old plan to replace a vandalised, partly demolished estate in Portlaoise with modular social houses, has hit another hitch.

Radharc Darach is to be built on the site of the former Hepburn Court estate, in a plan going back to 2013.

Last March, Laois County Council described construction work as "imminent" with a plan for modular homes that would be built off site.

However the recent attempt by Clúid to tender for a builder to start work has been unsuccessful, with a second tender now opened.

"Cluid has advised that they will need to re-tender for this scheme with a view to commencing on site Q2 (April to June) 2024 as negotiations with initial tenderers were unsuccessful. In the meantime they are progressing enabling works, and hop to complete the diversion and demolition element before Christmas," the council state in their December management report.

Cluid estimates the estate to cost €15 million to construct. 

Meanwhile a last wave of demolition that was expected to take place before Christmas, will not now happen until 2024.

Director of Services Angela McEvoy confirmed that to Cllr Caroline Dwane Stanley at the December meeting of Laois County Council.

“There is no date for demolition. I’d say it will be in early January,” she said.

The newly named Radharc Darach - meaning oak view in Irish - is to have 54 houses, including 46 two storey, two bedroom homes, and eight two bedroom bungalows. 

The original Hepburn Court estate has an unfortunate history. 

It was privately developed during the Celtic Tiger, snapped up by buyers, but within a few short years it had to be blocked off and partly demolished after rampant anti-social behaviour by some tenants including fires caused many others to leave. 

It is 10 years since homes were blocked up and Laois County Council began the task of buying up each property from individual owners with the aim of redeveloping it as their own estate for tenants on the waiting list. In 2018 Compulsory Purchase Orders were approved by An Bord Pleanála to Laois County Council, for the forced purchase of the final three houses.

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The estate was expected to be fully built with modular homes by the end of 2020, by the Director of housing Michael Rainey speaking in mid 2019.

The housing development takes in their own field behind which is also a target for anti-social activity like dumping and joyriding.

The site along with a field behind it and the demolished hall next door, was sold to Clúid housing agency who will own the new houses, to be rented to Laois County Council's tenants.