Families enjoy a grand view from modern homes

A TOTAL of 19 families have been accommodated in Dublin City Council’s new social housing complex that was officially opened by the Lord Mayor Christy Burke and Minister Alan Kelly last week.

Tenants were handed the keys to their new homes at Grand Canal View, on the banks of the Grand Canal, in Bluebell in January.

Grand Canal View, managed by Dublin City Council, consists of 16 two-bedroom apartments and three three-bedroom houses.

The council also manages Bluebell Youth and Community Centre beside the complex and the small park and playground nearby.

Deputy Catherine Byrne (FG) said the housing announcement for Bluebell signified a new beginning for the 19 families who were enjoying their new homes.

“I was delighted to attend the launch this morning of

‘Grand Canal View’, Dublin City Council’s new

?¬3 million social housing development on Bluebell Road,

? Deputy Byrne said.

“It is great to see this development finally finished after a long delay, and I commend Dublin City Council for bringing this project to completion.

“The original Public Private Partnership failed prior to this development being finished in 2005, but last year Dublin City Council contracted Purcell Construction to finish the work.

“The result is a really attractive complex that will prove to be a great addition to the area. It contains high quality apartments for 19 families. It is a really modern development and even includes solar power.

?

According to Deputy Byrne, the Government’s Social Housing Strategy launched earlier this year plans to supply 35,000 additional social housing units at a cost of

?¬3.8 billion over the next six years.

“As well as meeting the needs of people and families who have been on the waiting list for far too many years, this plan will also see the creation of almost 30,000 jobs in construction and other areas,

? Deputy Byrne added.

“This Bluebell development is just one small part of the plan to decrease waiting lists in Dublin and provide high quality housing for families.

“I hope the new tenants in Grand Canal View will be very happy in their new homes and the Bluebell community.

?

Speaking as he cut the red tape on the new complex, Minister Kelly said these schemes were about more than just the homes.

“They are also about building sustainable communities,

? he said.

“Community is, after all, the lynchpin that binds us together in our daily lives, and it was the motivating factor for this development through the Bluebell Steering Group.

?

The minister said he was very mindful of the need for good quality social housing.

He added that his department was happy to support the council in their many initiatives that have resulted in the culmination of a number of important projects such as Sean Treacy House and Peadar Kearney House, which was also opened recently.