Homeless Laois family concerned at delay for keys to new social home

The mother of a homeless family in Laois has expressed concern at delays and even vandalism in the new estate she is waiting to move into.

The mother who wishes not to be named is waiting on keys to a "forever home" in Francis Dunne Court, in Mountmellick.

The estate of 49 A-rated new homes is being bought as a complete turnkey development by Laois County Council, from Cubic Housing. Built at the back of Pattison's Estate, it is largely complete for some months, but no keys have yet been given to the tenants who are already chosen.

Houses in Francis Dunne Court. Photos: Leinster Express

The homeless mother told the Leinster Express / Laois Live what it will mean to have a home.

"I am waiting to move in with young children. It will mean the world to me and the children to have a home. It's like we are second class citizens, I know we don't own the houses but they will be our homes, if this was a private estate, people would have there keys or a least know what is causing the delay," the mother said.

She describes the vandalism she has seen.

"I suppose they would be considered minor damage to doors and windows. It is a new estate with no security and very easy to get access. I know teenagers who have been in around it hanging around at night time. The ones I know wouldn't have been doing an harm but others would be messing and putting fireworks in the letter boxes etc. It really is a sitting duck," the mother said.

She said that she had not reported the vandalism to authorities as it had been “taken care of very quickly”.

Her other concern is with the long wait to get keys.

"The builders office has left the site over 6 weeks ago. The council told us at the beginning of September in the meeting that the delay was snagging but there is no workmen on the site snagging. There is nothing happening at all. They are just sitting there. It is very frustrating to be left waiting looking through a fence at our forever home when at the moment we are homeless. There is no communication from the council at all on the matter."

Both Laois County Council and Cllr Paddy Bracken from Mountmellick Municipal District, gave responses to the Leinster Express to her concerns.

Cllr Bracken is certain that the keys will be handed over "very soon" to the anxious tenants.

"I can 110% say there is no vandalism. The estate is in the process of being handed over to Laois County Council by the developer. The process is moving and the tenants will be in very soon. 

"I had to fight hard to get this estate. I understand people being anxious to get in, but I can assure them there is no vandalism. I am delighted for all the people who have been offered tenancies and I wish them the best of luck," he said. 

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A spokesperson from the council says that "the snagging process is almost complete at the new homes at Francis Dunne Court. The exchange of keys will take place once this has been finalised and the required contractual formalities completed."

Laois County Council's September management report, lists the estate delivery date as 'quarter 4', or during the final four months of 2025.

The estate is one of two social housing developments coming on stream for Mountmellick people on the council's housing waiting list this autumn. Another 20 homes are being provided as part of the private Grange Manor development, with some tenants now beginning to move in, as tenants of the Co-operative Housing AHB.  Read more here.