No response from department about axed Athy housing 

Athy Municipal District (MD) has still received no response from the Department of Housing following last month’s news about the cancellation of building arrangements for housing developments under the PPP social housing project.

The decision, which put a stop to a 73-home project in Athy, is of great concern to councillors and residents who were eagerly awaiting the delivery of these homes.

Cllr Aoife Breslin, who brought the issue back to the council at the most recent Athy MD meeting, displayed “deep concern” on this issue and cited an overwhelming amount of people on the housing list in Athy – some since 2008.

She told the room about the struggles people are facing without housing and explained that when people ask her for help that she doesn’t know what to tell them.

“I have no answer to give them,” she said. “99 per cent of my work is in housing, and in Athy there’s just no prospect of it.” 

“The department are aware of the emergency we are facing. We need answers.” 

She stressed the importance of a response from the department, so she can “give some hope to people in south Kildare” and so she doesn’t have to “tell people that they are homeless.” 

Cllr Brian Dooley asked that cllr Breslin’s motion be amended to ask for an in-person meeting with the department, rather than sending a letter — which they have had no luck with this far.

“Let’s go meet with officials to get clear on the situation,” he said. “Let’s look for visitation.” 

Cathaoirleach Ivan Keatley came in, reminding the committee that an invite was sent out last month, to which got no reply.

Cllr Keatley called it “extremely disappointing”. He questioned the government’s decision to halt the development, even with contractors ready to go on site. 

“How did we get so far along in the process,” he said.

The MD agreed to arrange a meeting with the department — seeking clarity and an explanation on when construction of the proposed homes will commence and how they will be delivered.