Minister Coffey announces €35 million for Waterford Social Housing Projects

Fine Gael Waterford Minister Paudie Coffey has announced €35 million for Waterford Social Housing Projects for the period 2015-2017. Minister Coffey said that this will reduce the housing waiting list by 40% in that period in Waterford and deliver 760 units, this investment will create and sustain 280 jobs in Waterford over that period.
“The move comes as part of the Government’s €3.8 billion social housing strategy announced last November out to 2020. Approximately 300 separate building proposals by local authorities are currently being assessed by the Department and will be announced in a number of phases starting in Mid-April.
“Construction is already underway for social housing in approximately 33 sites throughout the country. These include the Old Cinema Site in Dungarvan, St John’s College in Waterford City; Chairman’s Arch in Waterford City and the Voluntary Housing Association’s development in Tramore; nearly all of these developments are due to be completed by year end.
“This significant investment will create and sustain about 280 jobs in Waterford City and County, including in towns and villages like Tramore, Dungarvan, Tallow, Cappoquin and Portlaw. This underpins the importance of this announcement for larger towns outside the main urban centres.
Minister Coffey said: “Today’s announcement shows the commitment of this government to tackle the issue of housing lists across the country. The Social Housing Strategy is a key action under the Construction 2020 Strategy which I have responsibility for. €35 million for Waterford City and County Council over the next three years is a huge investment in housing and I now expect the Local Authority to deliver on the plans that they have submitted to my Department over the next 3 years.”
“The various schemes will target the refurbishment of vacant social housing units and local authorities will have the option of both building and acquiring housing. The average cost of building a social housing unit is €185,000. The funding has now been approved and allocated and Local authorities are now expected to kick-start a building programme immediately.”
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