Over 430 applications for seven cost rental homes at Dun an Rí in Athlone

By Rebekah O'Reilly

A total of 438 applications were made for 7 cost rental homes at Dun an Rí in Athlone, housing agency Respond has confirmed.

Having opened on Tuesday last, the applications for the newly-built homes closed yesterday morning (Tuesday) 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.

Included in the latest offering were seven 2 and 3 bedroom duplexes.

Respond said the rents were set "at least 25% below market rates" with the rates for the homes set at €1275/month for the 2-bedroom duplexes, and €1498/month for the 3-bedroom duplexes.

This new type of rental accommodation is supported by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, the Housing Finance Agency and Westmeath County Council.