Thursday, May 30, 2013

Shannon Housing Scheme is officially opened

The Mayor of Clare, Cllr. Pat Daly today officially opened the Glaise na Rinne Housing Scheme in Shannon in the presence of the Mayor of Shannon, Cllr. Michael Fleming. 

This new scheme comprising 16 affordable townhouses and 6 fully accessible social units was developed by Clare County Council.

Speaking at the official opening, Mayor Daly paid tribute to the contractor, L & M Keating Ltd., the staff of the Housing department of Clare County Council and the design team led by Colin Yelland of Yelland Architects Lg. for “bringing this development to successful completion in the face of the many challenges presented by the downturn in the economy”.

The Mayor added: “The scheme is designed to the highest standard and layout provides for spacious accommodation and a good quality living environment for residents.  Each unit is fully fitted with a high specification finish with emphasis on durability and energy efficiency.  Its location provides for easy access to the town centre, all local amenities, including the Shannon estuary, and the major employment centres of the Shannon region.”

In welcoming the new development, Cllr. Patricia McCarthy, Chairperson of the Housing Strategic Policy Committee referred to “the shift in national housing policy which will see little of no social or affordable housing being delivered by local authority construction in the foreseeable future”. 

Cllr. McCarthy continued: “The design and construction of this scheme, she stated, delivers on best practice guidelines in terms of energy efficiency and sustainability. In addition the development delivers on a number of key objectives in the County development plan and the town’s green infrastructure plan by promoting accessibility via high quality cycle and walkways from residential areas to the estuary.

Ms. Anne Haugh, Deputy Clare County Manager commented: “I wish to pay tribute to all the staff of the Council, and in particular the staff of the housing department who, in the face of many challenges, brought this development through to successful completion and provided 22 families with homes of the highest standard.”

Cllr. Michael Fleming, Mayor of Shannon joined in tributes paid to all involved in the project and extended a welcome to the new families on behalf of the community of Shannon.

Rev. Fr. Tom Ryan and Canon Bob Hanna performed an ecumenical blessing before the Mayor of Clare, Cllr. Pat Daly officially opened the scheme.