48 new social homes officially opened in New Ross

Minister for Housing James Browne officially opened 48 new social homes in Plás Fhearann Hiúéid, Hewitsland, New Ross, Co. Wexford, delivered by Clúid, Ireland’s leading Approved Housing Body (AHB). 

The 48 homes will provide secure, long-term, affordable homes for individuals and families on the Wexford County Council housing list. The new homes are a mix of 2- and 3-bedroom houses, and one-bedroom age-friendly bungalows for residents aged 55 and over. All the homes have now been allocated and the new residents are beginning to settle in and build their new community.

The new homes in Hewitsland bring to 408 the number of Clúid homes in Wexford. Clúid currently has 136 homes in the pipeline in Gorey and Clonard that are due to be delivered in the next six months.

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne commented:
“It is a pleasure to be in New Ross today to officially open these 48 new social homes, including 10 age-friendly bungalows. These homes will make a real and lasting difference to the lives of the individuals and families who will now call them home.
“Supported by €4.3 million in funding from my Department, this development is an excellent example of the strong partnership between local authorities and Approved Housing Bodies in housing delivery. 
“Wexford County Council has established itself as a national leader in social housing delivery, consistently exceeding its targets and demonstrating what can be achieved through ambition, commitment and effective partnership. However, the scale of the housing challenge demands that we go further and faster. The momentum built in Wexford must not only be sustained but accelerated and I am urging all local authorities to match this level of ambition and deliver more homes for the people and communities who need them most.
“Another key benefit of this project is its use of Modern Methods of Construction (MMC), with locally manufactured timber-frame systems supporting local businesses, jobs and the regional economy.”
 
Cllr Lisa McDonald, Cathaoirleach, Wexford County Council, remarked:
“As the new Cathaoirleach for Wexford County Council, I am delighted to launch these much-needed homes in Hewittsland, New Ross. I wish to thank the Minister and his officials in the Department for the support on this scheme and to compliment Clúid on what is a fabulous project. I want to especially wish the families here today every success and happiness with their new homes.  
Wexford County Council has delivered and will continue to deliver an ambitious housing construction programme for the County. With over 1,400 new social homes to be delivered between 2022 and the end of this year, I look forward to continued strong output under the new housing delivery action plan from 2027.”  
 
Averil Power, Chief Executive Officer, Clúid, commented:
“Plás Fhearann Hiúéid is a strong example of the high-quality, well-designed homes Clúid is delivering across the country. Through our growing construction programme, we are providing more people with secure, affordable homes and the foundation for a better quality of life. Spending time with residents here today is a powerful reminder of what that means in practice. A secure home brings stability, dignity and opportunity. Alongside their new homes, residents will benefit from Clúid’s ongoing support, maintenance and community engagement services. We are proud to support people to put down roots here in New Ross, and to play our part in building a strong, inclusive and thriving community. We wish all of our new residents every happiness in their new homes.”

Eddie Taafe, Chief Executive, Wexford County Council, remarked:
“We are delighted to work with our partners Clúid in the delivery of 48 new social homes in New Ross. The delivery of all forms of housing, social, affordable and private, along with associated community and servicing infrastructure remains the number one priority for Wexford County council. We wish the new tenants well in their new homes and look forward to further housing delivery under the Government’s Delivering Homes, Building Communities 2025-2030 housing plan. “

The homes have been developed as part of Clúid’s own construction programme on a site provided by the Housing Agency. The main contractor was local firm Mythen Construction Limited, from Foulksmills in Wexford. The homes were delivered in partnership with Wexford County Council, and with the support of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, The Housing Agency and the Housing Finance Agency.