29 nama properties to be used for social housing in tullamore
NAMA has agreed to lease 29 houses at Church Hill in Tullamore in a move which will alleviate Offaly County Council’s housing list.
It’s the first time a substantial block of new housing has become available to those on the council's housing list in Tullamore since 2010.
The properties, which are due to be allocated in two phases in January and April, will be managed by Oaklee Housing Trust.
Local Sinn Fein Cllr Brendan Killeavy explained “NAMA have agreed to a 20 year lease to Oaklee Housing.”
Although the properties have been vacant for around seven years, Cllr Killeavy said they appear to be in relatively good condition and “there is contractors working on them.”
“I welcome the move with Church Hill, it is something I campaigned for,” he remarked. “While it wont solve all the problems, it wont house everyone, it’s a start,” said Cllr Killeavy, who estimated that around 700 families are on the council’s housing list in Tullamore.
According Senior Executive Officer in Housing at Offaly County Council, Mr Dermot Mahon, NAMA acquired the units through a receiver. Once there were no planning obstacles, it then agreed a longterm lease with the council.
He described it as 'a win win situation all round' as it means the estate is finished, NAMA receives income from the properties and the council can remove 29 people from its housing list.
Mr Mahon pointed out that Oaklee Housing Trust has a proven track record in the town. “We decided in the best interest of estate management that a voluntary housing body would be best placed to take it on,” he explained.
He revealed that the council is exploring “one other large scheme in the county in Portarlington that something might happen with next year.”
Meanwhile in Tullamore, Mr Mahon confirmed the council is due to seek planning permission to build eight bungalows to house the elderly Clonminch.
Elsewhere, Mr Mahon said “there is eight houses underway in Banagher. They should be finished next summer.” The council is looking to build a further 18 houses in Banagher.