Athlone-Moate Municipal District Mayor, Cllr Vinny McCormack, is pictured with Cllr Frankie Keena and Cllr Tom Farrell at the launch of the 'Radharc An Mhóta' serviced sites development in Moate

Council launches serviced sites for housing development in Moate

Ronan Fagan

Published: Tue 15 Jul 2025, 11:41 AM

Last updated: Tue 15 Jul 2025, 1:45 PM

Westmeath County Council has launched ten ready-to-build fully serviced sites for housing development off the Clara Road in Moate.

Offered for sale by the local authority and Athlone based auctioneer REA Hynes, the development, 'Radharc An Mhóta', intends to support self-build housing in rural areas for the affordable homes market.

Westmeath County Council said the initiative is part of its ongoing commitment to addressing housing needs and promoting sustainable community development.

The sites will be fully serviced by Westmeath County Council and offered at discounted rates, for purchasers who wish to build their own home.

This development, the first of its kind within the county, was welcomed by Athlone-Moate Municipal District Mayor, Cllr Vinny McCormack who outlined the parameters of the scheme.

"Those who purchase one of the serviced sites must apply for planning permission within three months of doing so. Buyers can design their home however they choose before submitting a planning application with construction of the home to start within twelve months of approval," Cllr McCormack said.

The District Mayor said that such a "tight timeframe" must be in place to ensure the development is "up and running" soon.

Cllr McCormack also stated that an exact price for the purchase of a serviced site was yet to be confirmed with local authority clarification expected "within the next week".

Those eligible to purchase one of the 10 serviced sites are persons with a disability or an older person who is moving from their current home and would like to live in Moate, or a person who is moving from their current home which is being or has been sold and would like to live in Moate.

The scheme is also available to first-time buyers, those who have not purchased or built a home, or those who qualify under the 'Fresh Start' principle including previous homeowners who have experienced divorce or separation, insolvency or bankruptcy and who no longer have a legal interest in the previous home.

Individuals can register their interest or find out more information via REA Hynes by contacting info@hynes.ie or ringing (090) 6473838.