Construction of new social homes in rural Laois village begins

A construction project in the village of Doonane has got underway this week which will deliver 12 social homes for the community. The turning of the sod has taken place on the two service sites known as 'Grove Terrace' and the houses are expected to be completed in 12 months.

These new homes are a key part of the Council's programme for the delivery of social homes in County Laois over the five year period to from 2022 to 2026. 

"One of the main objectives of Housing For All is the creation of sustainable communities. This development and these homes will play a vital part in enhancing and sustaining the village community of Doonane," said a spokesperson for the Council.

"This development consists of 8 number 3 bedroom units and 4 number 2 bedroom units and will be delivered by Laois County Council working in partnership with Kevin Thorpe Ltd. and Kenneth Hennessy Architects.

"Laois County Council will own and manage the scheme with tenants nominated by Laois County Council from its housing waiting list. Funding for this development was provided from Social Housing Investment Programme(SHIP). 

"The SHIP funding is capital support provided to Local Authorities under the Housing For All Programme to facilitate the funding of construction, acquisition or refurbishment of new social housing units by the Department of Housing, Heritage and Local Government."

Welcoming the progress on site Laois TD Seán Fleming said: "It is fantastic to see this in a rural area and it will bring life back into the village. Above all there are people in this area that want houses in this area because they're from the local community. This is all happening thanks to the Government plan for housing for all and funding provided by the government directly to Laois County Council. I do expect that these houses will be completed within 12 months and people will be in these new houses as quickly as possible."