Social houses to be built in Finglas

A TOTAL of 164 new social housing units are to be built in Finglas on a site beside Melville estate off the eastern side of Jamestown Road.

Positioned close to the junction of Poppintree Park Lane the site is officially in Ballymun but is outside the area where controversial rent supplement restrictions apply.

The ten acre site, which is close to Holywell and Hampton Wood, had previously been granted planning permission in 2008 for over 200 apartments as part of a mixed use scheme but was recently listed for sale at a price of

?¬3.5 million.

Cllr David Costello (FF) said councillors had been informed of the development at a recent meeting of the council’s

Housing Strategic Policy Committee.

“Like others in the Finglas area I welcome the development of social housing in the area,

? he said.

“It is desperately needed.

?

The housing project is been driven by Oaklee Housing Trust and accommodation will be made up of a wide range of dwelling types including sheltered flats and bungalows as well as family and supported housing.

“When developing homes with housing trusts, it is usual for tenants not to be given the option to buy their home in the future,

? said Cllr Costello.

“People become part of a community when they live there long term and I therefore feel it is important that when the council is developing housing in association with voluntary housing agencies that consideration should be given to the future purchasing of homes by tenants.

?

The scheme is in its early stages of development but it’s understood the approval has been given in principle and officials are working with the developer, the council and the planning department to progress matters.