Published: Wednesday, 3rd March, 2010 5:30pm

Over 1,300 on waiting list but only seven new houses

Athlone Town Council will buy or build a total of seven houses to accommodate those on the housing waiting list this year.

However, as there are 1,300 people currently on the housing list in the town, the council will write to the Housing Minister Michael Finneran, to ask him for further funding.

The council received a capital allocation of €885,000 for this year from Department of the Environment and Local Government, a cut of over 50%. Almost half of that money will be spent on the building/acquisition of the seven houses.

In response to a question from Cllr Paul Hogan (SF), the council's housing officer Edel Martin said it was impossible to say but that a capital allocation cut of 60% was expected in 2011.

The council plans to build two houses at Loughanaskin, with a view to commence construction in the second quarter of this year.

This will cost an estimated €340,000. The council also now own two houses on Connaught Street, which were acquired under the Derelict Sites Act. Number 53 is only at pre-planning stage while No 59 is going to Part VIII stage. This will cost in total €125,000.

An additional three dwellings will be bought this year at a cost of €420,000.

Councillors Gabrielle McFadden (FG) and Paul Hogan called on the council to write to Housing Minister Michael Finneran to ask for additional funding, as the €800,000 does not satisfy Athlone's "critical housing needs".

"If we don't ask, we won't get it. Send him a letter," said Cllr McFadden.

"It's a huge setback for the housing department of the council. There's over 1,300 people on the waiting list, it's a serious issue. As the recession deepens, the need for social housing will increase," said Cllr Hogan.

Cllr Kevin 'Boxer' Moran said the council should invite the Minister to meet them as "he's a neighbour".

The council will also spend €100,000 on energy efficiency measures in vacant houses, while €195,000 is going on the continued environmental works in Battery Heights which was granted in 2009 by the Department.

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