€25m housing revamp underway

The Government is spending €25m on the first phase of a revamp for a Cork city housing estate.

The Minister for Housing and Urban Renewal, Noel Ahern, said the aid package for Knocknaheeny will build 21 new houses and refurbish 78 homes.

Community facilities and 24 sheltered homes for the elderly are also planned.

The Cork City Council scheme will eventually build 340 new houses and refurbish 500 others in the city’s northside suburb.

Mr Ahern explained: “Once finalised, the living conditions of the tenants will be vastly improved.

“This is further proof of our commitment to regenerating socially deprived areas.

“I look forward to some date in the future when the people of Knocknaheeny can enjoy a new and vibrant community.”

The refurbishment works will include insulation measures, new doors and windows and upgrading electrics.

The next phase of the redevelopment is being planned for next year.