Over 550 applications made for eight new cost-rental homes in Athlone

By Rebekah O'Reilly

A total of 553 applications have been made for the eight new cost-rental homes at Glanmore Heights, Dun an Ri, Coosan in Athlone.

Having opened on Friday last, the applications for the newly-built homes closed this morning (Thursday) at 10.30am.

The selection process for the cost rental homes will see a random lottery create a list of the applicants, with the top applicants being contacted within five working days.

The cost-rental homes are targeted at those who earn up to €59,000 net, per annum, and who do not qualify for social housing. The scheme has been designed to provide affordable, long-term, and secure rented accommodation to tenants.

The eight cost-rental units at Glanmore Heights, Dun an Ri, are being offered through the housing agency Respond.

They consist of four two-bedroom duplex apartments and four three-bedroom duplexes.

Respond said the rents were set "at least 25% below market rates", with rent for the 2-bedroom units set at €1,275 per month, and the 3-bedroom duplexes being rented for €1,491 a month.

The delivery of the Dun an Ri development is in partnership with Westmeath County Council, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, and the Housing Finance Agency and The Housing Agency, with construction led by Coosan Developments Limited and OCC Construction Limited.