Housing body secures council-owned lands in Limerick town following 27-year 'delay'

THE local authority has proceeded with the transfer of lands to a local housing association, despite the transfer being approved over a quarter of a century ago.

At the April meeting of the Newcastle West Municipal District, councillors noted the transfer of lands from the council to Cluid Housing Association CLG despite the group having occupied that lands since September 2000.

Cluid Housing, an approved Approved Housing Body, initially purchased part of the site at Lilac Close, Knockane, Newcastle West, from the original developer on September 14,2000.

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The remainder of the lands on the site amounting to 0.1495 Acres on which two derelict cottages originally stood remained in the ownership of Limerick City and County Council.

The disposal of these lands to Cluid Housing was approved by the full council in May 1999 but the transfer has not to date been complete due to "legal delays on the side of the AHB (Approved Housing Body)."

Due the the "significant" amount of time that passed, new mapping has been undertaken. As a result of this the local authority deemed it necessary a new Section 183 is required to complete the transaction and transfer the lands to Cluid Housing for a "proposed fee of €127 per site" as per Housing Agency Low Cost Sites Circulars.

The proposed land disposal detailed that "as Cluid have been in possession of these lands and operating the units as social housing properties for 26 years, no additional consideration is being requested."

The disposal of the land from Limerick City and County Council was noted at the April meeting of the Newcastle West Municipal District."