Funding approved for Athy housing development that had been pulled

FUNDING has now been approved for the stalled 73-unit housing development at Ardrew in Athy, paving the way for the long-delayed project to advance towards construction.

The confirmation comes after months of uncertainty, following the Department of Housing’s unexpected decision last June to pause the scheme, along with multiple others nationwide, due to escalating costs.

The halt shocked local representatives and residents, as the Ardrew project had already been streamlined for delivery, with a contractor ready to go on site.

At the latest meeting of the Athy Municipal District, councillors were informed that a revised development programme for Ardrew is being finalised, with updated funding and delivery arrangements now in place.

The progress update was provided during a broader briefing on social and affordable housing mechanisms, issued in response to a query from cllr Mark Leigh.

In that report, an administrative officer in the Housing Department, outlined the statutory obligations governing the delivery of social and affordable units through Part V of the Planning and Development Act 2000.

Under the legislation, all housing developments are subject to a Part V requirement unless an exemption has been granted.

For lands purchased on or after 1 August 2021, 20 per cent of all units must be reserved for social and affordable housing. A 10 per cent requirement applies to lands purchased or granted planning permission between 1 September 2015 and 31 July 2021, provided planning is secured before 31 July 2026.