New €4.35m housing development officially opened in Leitrim

The sun shone brightly on a cold Friday morning in Carrick-on-Shannon as a new social housing development was officially opened in the county town.

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne TD, visited the county on November 13 to officially open two housing developments, one in Newtowngore and the other in Carrick-on-Shannon, as well as launch the Leitrim Heritage Plan 2026 - 2031.

The new housing development in Carrick-on-Shannon, named Cill Dearbhreach, is located in the townland of Kilboderry. It comprises six one-bedroom apartments and 12 two-storey, two-bedroom houses, along with associated external and site development works.

Finna Construction Ltd was the contractor for the project, while the architects were Wynne Gormley Gilsenan Architects. The development had an overall budget of €4.351 million.

Speaking at the opening, Leas Cathaoirleach Cllr Justin Warnock thanked the contractor and architects for “the quality of the design and workmanship,” and Leitrim County Council for “delivering a high quality residential project.”

A number of new residents at Cill Dearbhreach have moved from larger local authority homes in the Carrick-on-Shannon Municipal District into smaller, more suitable homes as part of a pilot scheme. This has freed up larger houses for families and households who require more space.

Speaking at the opening, Cllr Warnock said, “I would encourage residents to become an active member of the Carrick community through membership of local clubs and voluntary organisations.

“I look forward to the contribution of the Cill Dearbhreach residents group as they input into the growth and development of the estate and the wider Carrick-on-Shannon area.”

Minister Browne described it as an “honour” to be in Leitrim to open the housing developments, noting that it is through partnership with Leitrim County Council that they can continue to deliver quality homes.

“Our plan is for everyone to live in their local community and stay where they want to live close to their family and friends. There will be new neighbours and lifelong friends which is part of being a community,” said Minister Browne, who described Carrick-on-Shannon as “a fantastic community.”

He reiterated his commitment to “back Leitrim,” and ambitious local authorities.

“We look forward to coming back to Leitrim for the opening of new housing estates. Building homes is not just about providing homes for people for the rest of their lives but also for economic and community development as well,” added Minister Browne.

Leitrim County Council is currently completing its 2027 to 2030 Housing Delivery Action Plan, which will set out how it intends to meet its delivery targets under the Government’s Delivering Homes, Building Communities plan.