Happy and smiling faces as Minister visits new Offaly housing development

THERE were a lot of happy and smiling faces on Monday morning at Tullamore's newest housing scheme 'Ashfield' which is located in Clonminch.

Housing Minister Darragh O'Brien enjoyed coffee and cake, met with some of the residents and took a walk around the 19 houses which are laid out facing a pleasant green space planted with flowers.

Ashfield consists of single storey homes and represents a new beginning for the town and its residents. Nestled just off Clonminch Road, it caters for elderly residents and already firm friendships are being established.

Ann Hughes moved into her new home on June 29.

''We absolutely loved it from day one. I don't think we had blinds for four weeks but it didn't matter. We got little bits week by week and it's the most comfortable home I've ever had,'' she said.

Ann has a car to get her in and out of town, but added, ''we are not miles from the town anyway. If we want to go to the nearest shop we just swing around the road to Tesco. It's brilliant, we were so lucky when we were settling in, the weather was beautiful you couldn't ask for nicer with the sun out every day.'' Ann is looking forward to spending her first Christmas in her new home, but she added, ''every day is a treat, it's so peaceful, you don't hear a thing. Happy days,'' she laughed.

Judy Cullen moved in 11 weeks ago, "I absolutely love it, it's so quiet and peaceful."

Judy uses the bus to get in and out of town, but added that the service could be more frequent. ''You can get a bus at 10am but there is no bus back until 2pm, so it's 4 hours walking around town. If you have to go to the doctor which a lot of people around here would, you are left hanging around town,'' she added.

All the new residents agreed that a lovely community has already formed with everybody looking out for one another. ''We all get on so well,'' was the verdict.

Minster O'Brien enjoyed his coffee in an informal setting which allowed for a relaxed atmosphere. The residents expressed their gratitude for the affordable housing and the sense of security Ashfield has provided for them. The visit served as a reminder of the positive impact that well-planned housing schemes can have on communities and the lives of residents.