Families to move into rest of Carlow 'ghost estate' from today

People have begun moving into a newly refurbished "ghost estate" in Carlow controlled by NAMA.

Respond Housing collaborated with NAMA, Carlow County Council and the Department of the Environment to refurbish 55 derelict houses in Tullow.

Some 19 families moved into their new homes in Oakley Wood in July. The remaining 36 houses are being allocated today, with the families moving in over the next few weeks.

Chief Operations Officer with Respond Ned Brennan said there has been a warm welcome for the new homes in the area.

"There's been great enthusiasm from the local community, there was a big demand for social housing in the Tullow area," he aid.

"There was nearly 100 families on the Tullow electoral area waiting list.

"This scheme in one swoop will provide 50% of families on the waiting list with accommodation immediately," he added.