Cathaoirleach of Tullamore Municipal District, Cllr Frank Moran officially opened Offaly County Council’s latest development of 38 social homes at Willow Drive, Clara, a significant housing project delivered under the Housing for All 2022-2026 Social Housing Investment Programme at a cost of €12.5 million. ‘Housing for All – a New Housing Plan for Ireland’ is the Government’s multi-annual, multi-billion-euro plan which will improve Ireland’s housing system and deliver more homes of all types for people with different housing needs.
Willow Drive is a newly completed A-rated scheme and includes 1,2, 3 and 4 bedroom bungalows as well as 2, 3 and 4 bed two-storey dwellings that are designed to be wheelchair accessible. ‘Offaly Housing Delivery Action Plan 2022-2026’ identifies the delivery of new social and affordable homes as a key priority of the plan and forms an important element of the overall new housing delivery programme.
Offaly County Council conducted the consultation process under Part 8 Planning and Development Regulations 2001, as amended, which sets out the procedure for carrying out such developments. The scheme was designed in partnership with Offaly County Council’s Capital Design office and the Department of Housing, Local Government & Heritage. Walsh & Associates, Architects, Hayes Higgins Partnership, Engineers and John J Casey & Co, Quantity Surveyors were appointed by Offaly County Council as the Design Team and Bretland Construction Group were appointed as contractor. Construction commenced on site in March 2023 and finished ahead of schedule in October 2024.
Speaking at the official opening ceremony, Cathaoirleach of Tullamore Municipal District, Cllr Frank Moran said: “I’m delighted to be here to officially open this development. There is high demand for housing in Offaly and these much-needed social homes will provide another 38 families and individuals with homes for life. Although this is a great news story today, I along with Offaly County Council’s Elected Members and Executive will continue our efforts to meet the demand going forward.”
Chief Executive of Offaly County Council, Anna Marie Delaney, praised Council staff and the design and construction team, stating, “Our Capital Design Office, in collaboration with various agencies and stakeholders, successfully designed and delivered these homes. As part of the scheme, Offaly County Council delivered the upgrades to the local footpath infrastructure ensure safe passage to the town of Clara for the residents of Willow Drive. Additionally, the estate has been designed to provide a safe and comfortable environment for both pedestrians and cyclists.” Ms Delaney added, “As with all projects delivered by Offaly County Council, I acknowledge the support and collaboration of our Elected Members who ensure the successful delivery of these high-quality sustainable homes.”
Cllr Frank Moran concluded “These homes, which are built to an excellent standard, will contribute to a thriving future for all residents.”
