Social housing projects get €5m in funding

Two local authority housing projects are to be built in Cork City as part of a €5m investment.

The projects are being funded under a €68m house building programme announced by Jan O’Sullivan, the housing minister, earlier this week.

The project will see the construction of a €3.9m 23-unit local authority housing project at Gerald Griffin St and Burke’s Ave, and a €1.2m eight-unit project at Shandon St and John Philpott Curran St.

Local Labour councillor Mick O’Connell welcomed the investment.

“There is a strong social housing need in Cork City, and while this announcement is relatively modest, it sends a strong signal that Labour in government is pressing ahead with local authority house building.

“Whereas previous housing announcements in the past few years have been targeted at special housing needs, such as the elderly or people with a disability, this funding is the first new programme of mainstream local authority construction since the recession struck.”

Meanwhile, the Glen Recreational Park on Assumption Rd, which had been closed after repeated incidents of vandalism, is due to reopen in late April or early May with beefed-up security measures, including a new CCTV system.

Cllr Ken O’Flynn said he is confidant that the new security arrangements will prevent further damage or anti-social behaviour.

The park, which was opened two and a half years ago, has been a great asset to the people of Blackpool, Assumption Rd, The Glen, and Roche’s Building’s, he said. “It’s been a wonderful facility for young children in the area and indeed senior citizens,” he added.