Longford set for first affordable housing scheme as Council gets approval for 93 unit turn key development

Longford Fianna Fáil TD, Joe Flaherty, has warmly welcomed approval for county Longford’s first affordable housing scheme.

The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage has this morning issued Longford County Council with approval to proceed with a 93 unit, turn key development, at Ard Michael on the Ballinalee Road in Longford town.

According to Deputy Flaherty this is the most significant housing scheme approved for the Council in recent years and 'crucially, will include approval for the county’s first scheme of 25 affordable houses'.

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Deputy Flaherty remarked, “Contentiously Longford was one of a small number of counties excluded from the affordable scheme on the basis of economics and perceived demand. I want to commend Director of Services with responsibility for housing, John Brannigan, who steadfastly pursued this issue and very much wore the Longford jersey to get this approval.”

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Deputy Flaherty understands that work on the site will commence straight away and will include a show house for the affordable units.

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He added: “Heretofore the public were asked to express interest in any perceived affordable scheme. But now the Council will have real bricks and mortar and a house to show. This is hugely significant for housing in county Longford and I also want to thank Minister Darragh O’Brien and officials, who listened to our concerns and have now agreed to proceed with this scheme.”