Construction of ‘futuristic’ homes in Limerick village close to completion

LIMERICK City and County Council will complete 32 homes in Hospital and Knocklong for those on the housing list in the coming weeks.

A presentation was given to councillors in the Cappamore-Kilmallock Municipal District by Brendan Kidney, senior engineer, housing maintenance and construction.

Mr Kidney said the 20 properties in Glenview Drive, Hospital and 12 at Station Close, Knocklong have been “progressing well” and will be completed in a matter of weeks.

As well as the 32 new builds, Mr Kidney also outlined the council’s plans for the future. He said work will commence on sites in Kilfinane and Ballylanders this year. Mr Kidney said 10 houses are planned for Kilfinane and nine for Ballylanders.

The senior engineer said a further 18 units in Bruff are going through the Part 8 process - application of planning permission for projects by local authorities.

Cllr Ger Mitchell praised the “fantastic design” of the properties in Hospital and of the future ones in Bruff.

“The Hospital ones are very futuristic. The attic can be converted so a one bedroom can become a two bed, two bedroom can become a three bedroom etc,” said Cllr Mitchell.

Mr Kidney said the design of the houses in Hospital is “very attractive”.

Cllr Mike Donegan welcomed the 32 properties coming on stream this year in Hospital and Knocklong.

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“Well done to Brendan and his team,” said Cllr Donegan.

Cllr Brigid Teefy said they are “fabulous houses”. “They have the best of everything,” said Cllr Teefy.

Cllr Eddie Ryan said they were a “fabulous job”. Cllr PJ Carey described it as “great work”.

Cllr Martin Ryan noted there were no sites in Cappamore or Doon. Cathaoirleach John Egan also spoke of an “imbalance” in the municipal district.

“There is nothing in Cappamore, Doon, Caherconlish, Murroe. All that area has been forgotten about,” said Cllr Egan.

Cllr Eddie Ryan said there were no plans in Galbally either.

During his recent visit to Limerick, Minister for Housing Darragh O’Brien visited Glenview Drive, Hospital; Station Close, Knocklong and met with Cappamore Housing Association regarding their plans for the old creamery in the village. They aim to build accommodation units for elderly people.

Mr Kidney also informed councillors what the local authority’s plans are for the 30 vacant units owned by the council in the municipal district.

He said works on 11 of them will be completed at various stages in 2023. There are 11 houses in procurement stage to be completed in 2023. Four of the 30 houses have been completed with two more inspected and a further two awaiting inspection.

Mr Kidney said there was “quite a lot of capital investment” being put into bringing vacant units back into use.