380 applicants currently approved on Lifford-Stranorlar social Housing waiting list

The number of approved applicants on the Social Housing Waiting List within the Lifford-Stranorlar Municipal District (MD) now stands at 380.

Of those, 23 are currently tenants with Donegal County Council and who are approved for a transfer to alternative accommodation/locations, as of October 20 2023.

The MD is also providing Social Housing Support in the form of the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) to 286 households, which equates to approximately 17% of Donegal’s active tenancies on this scheme, councillors were told at their end of October meeting.

An update on the Approved Housing Body Project / Housing Delivery Stream by the Habinteg Housing Association was given, which involves 24 units to be located at Raphoe Road in Castlefin.

The scheme is for a mix of two Community Group homes (2 x 5 Units), 10 sheltered housing units and 14 social housing units.

Councillors were informed that Stage 3 Approval and an increase in budget was received from the Department of Housing, Local Government & Heritage on July 27, 2023.

This means that Stage 4 Approval will be sought from the Department when Habinteg completes the Tender documentation.

Donegal County Council is also currently progressing a total of 127 units for social housing developments within the Lifford-Stranorlar Municipal District.

(Above: Work ongoing at Gallows Lane, Lifford. Photo: Donegal County Council) 

A revised tender package for remaining works has been prepared and will be advertised for tender in October 2023 for 11 units in Raphoe.

Trusk Road, Ballybofey

Regarding the 19 units at Trusk Road, Ballybofey, it was advised that in the case of Block, the Precast slabs for first floor fitted and blockwork to first floor progressing.

In Block 2, the roofing and blockwork completed. Windows to be fitted. Internal scudding and 1st fix M&E has commenced.

As for Block, the roofing and Blockwork had been completed. Windows and doors fitted. External plastering has commenced on site. Internal scudding was complete and internal plastering has commenced.

It was stated that the boundary works to the south east and south west boundaries are now complete and that construction works are due for completion by June of 2024.

Gallows Lane, Lifford

Councillors were also given an update with regard to the 29 units at Gallows Lane, Lifford.

Here, the superstructure blockwork is ongoing and Roof coverings are complete on nine houses and has commenced on four other units. First fix plumbing commenced on four units, while a sewer/storm infrastructure was installed onsite along with the main water pipe.

Boundary walls/fencing works are ongoing with construction works due for completion in June 2024.

Lifford Common

Here the 60 unit design is progressing for a scheme of approximately 60 social housing units in conjunction with the areas and other council sections to ensure that all requirements are met.

Engagement is ongoing to co-ordinate the design with the infrastructural road project, as well as other statutory bodies. Surveys and investigations are ongoing as the project.

Stranorlar (Former Fire station)

The design of the eight unit project is being progressed taking account of the boundary conditions and the requirement for third party agreements. Engagement is ongoing to ensure that all requirements are met.

The Council continues to work with Uisce Eireann to gain permission to connect the combined sewer/surface water network, in advance of seeking funding and approval.

In the course of the meeting Cllr Patrick McGowan requested that priority be given to the elderly and those with ability challenges, because of its central location.   

Turnkey acquisition process

Donegal County Council’s turnkey acquisition process is continuing throughout the county. This competitive dialogue procurement process is a major capital investment in social housing, with the many projects in the county now complete.

Stage 4 approval has been obtained from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage (DHLGH) for the turnkey development at Flaxfields, Convoy.

The proposal consists of 24 units in total, subject to contract, made up of 2, four-bedroom units, 6 three-bedroom units and 16 two-bedroom units, which is reflective of the need for Convoy.

This project is now at contract stage and with the Council’s solicitors.

Councillors were told that they will be advised in advance of the works commencing onsite.

Meanwhile Stage 3 approval has been received from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage for a 14 numbered housing proposal at Ballybofey.

The Council is awaiting final detailed construction drawings from the Developer in advance of progressing to the final tender stage.

Members will be fully informed of these proposals upon receipt of final departmental approval, they were also told.