34 new social houses for Bantry
Construction of a €9.5m turnkey social housing project in Bantry took a step further this week.
It was announced that the Housing Infrastructure Services Company (HISCo) will deliver the infrastructure required to facilitate the development of the 34 new houses.
The housing development will be constructed by Kieran O Sullivan Builders and consist of a mix of 1, 2, 3 and 4 bedroom houses, all of which will be A-rated and will assist in meeting demand for social housing in the area, Cork County Council said on Tuesday.
The homes are due to be completed in 3 phases with the first 10 due to transfer to Cork County Council next year.
The development, the council said, also forms part of it “ambitious target” under Housing for All which will see almost 3,200 new social houses constructed across the county between 2022 and 2026.
Mayor of the County of Cork Cllr Danny Collins highlighted how the Bantry development will support social housing requirements in the area.
He said: “I am delighted to stand on this site and witness first-hand the delivery of this much needed turnkey proposal. This is a real example of working together, as elected members, HISCo, Kieran O’Sullivan Builders, Cork County Council’s Housing Department and DMCA consultants to identify a suitable site and progress it. This development of 34 turnkey social houses will be a very welcome addition to Bantry during 2023 and demonstrates Cork County Council’s commitment to Housing for All.”
HISCo was established by the Ireland Strategic Investment Fund, which is controlled and managed by the National Treasury Management Agency, and Cork County Council.
HISCo’s Chief Executive Officer Niall Morrissey stated: “HISCo will construct the roads, footpaths, water supply, wastewater pipes, storm water system, public lighting, boundary walls, utility ducts and all ancillary services required for the new homes. Our collaboration with the Developer and Cork County Council demonstrates how the HISCo business model can remove barriers to the delivery of residential accommodation.”
Chief Executive of Cork County Council, Tim Lucey said The delivery of social housing is “a key priority” within the national Housing for All policy.
He added: “Our success to date has required innovative solutions such as HISCo. The unique element of the service is that payment of HISCo Fees are only required when the units are sold to the local authority, providing the builder with a cashflow break allowing him to concentrate on the delivery of houses.
“Cork County Council will continue to work on innovative solutions to maximise output and make a significant and positive impact on the supply of social housing across the county.”
The Bantry project is being delivered in partnership with DMCA Consultants and MMC Quantity Surveyors, both based in Cork.