New housing scheme unveiled in Balrothery

Orla O’Driscoll 

MINISTER of State at the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government, Damien English, unveiled a new social housing scheme at Darcystown Close, Balrothery, last Wednesday (May 16). 

The minister, in acknowledging the scale of the housing crisis, noted: “It’s only nine houses, but every house helps us provide a home for somebody.”

The development, overseen by the North and East Housing Association (North & East), comprises eight family homes and one specially adapted home for a wheelchair user.

Speaking to Northside People, the minister said: “I want to make it clear, on behalf of myself and Eoghan Murphy (Housing Minister), that we know that there are far too many people who are homeless. In this area alone, I think it is about 75 families living in emergency accommodation and our aim is to provide them all with a home this year, if we possibly can.”

The North & East association is this year celebrating its 25th anniversary having completed its first project in Ashbourne, under the guidance of the two founders, Tony Gilmore and Jim Byrne. 

The two men set up the association when they saw a need for social housing, and social change. Family members joined with new residents in celebration of the occasion.

A granite bench, engraved with Tony and Jim’s names was also unveiled, given pride of place on the green area within the small community. 

The message above their names says: ‘Without a sense of caring, there can be no sense of community.’ 

The minister acknowledged the scale of this scheme, and noted it had for many years been a derelict site. 

“And now, it fits into an existing community,” he said.

The Minister praised Fingal County Council.

“I would say they are one of the leading local authorities, and this is local authorities working together,” he added. 

“Fingal delivered almost 1,100 houses last year, and this year with funding from the department of housing, they will deliver about 1,600 homes and housing solutions. 

“Six hundred of these houses will be new build and part five acquisitions, with the remainder a combination of rental housing, and solutions.”

Mathew and Patricia got the keys to their house seven months ago, and they gave the minister, and Northside People a tour of the new home.

Mathew says: “We were living in Rush, renting from North & East. There was nothing wrong with it, but Patricia has a disease which affects her bones, and stairs are not so easy for her, so this house was just perfect for us because it’s on one level. 

“We are really happy and very grateful, and for our son Darren, this is a real home.”

This project brings to 54 the number of new homes which were originated and overseen by North & East in partnership with Fingal County Council over the last 18 months.

The new chairperson of the North & East Association, John Ryan, said: “Twenty-five years may seem like a long time ago but it’s remarkable how we are still challenging and facing the same challenges that maybe inspired Pat and Tony to set up this association in the first place.”