Work underway on scheme to provide elderly accommodation

Development works have commenced on a new residential scheme in Ballinasloe that is designed mainly for the elderly – in what has been described as a major boost for housing in the town.

Late last year Galway County Council granted planning permission for the construction of the 17 terraced houses at Dunlo in Ballinasloe – close to the discount supermarkets in the town.

It has been hailed as a huge success by Cllr Aidan Donohue who said that it was very difficult to get rented accommodation in Ballinasloe at the moment.

Planning permission was granted to Clúid, the housing organisation that delivers affordable dwellings, at the end of last year and work commenced on the project last week.

The Fine Gael councillor said that it would provide vital accommodation for the elderly but also hoped that some units would be made available for young couples entering the housing market.

The development comprises of the construction of 17 single-storey terraced housing along with communal facilities for older people.

It is on a greenfield site and is located close to existing residential developments and retail units such as Tesco and Aldi. It will be developed on a two-acre site.

According to the planning file, the proposed development is considered small-scale and will serve older people. It is also proposed to provide an additional one-bedroom apartment on the site.

Cllr Donohue said that this development was supposed to happen two years ago and he was now delighted at works had finally commenced. He added that it was a lengthy planning process.

He said that the provision of 17 additional housing units in Ballinasloe was hugely welcome and it would free up some existing dwellings in the process.

He believed that similar projects should be undertaken by Galway County Council or other state agencies to provide accommodation for young couples.

“While this is an example of what can be built for the elderly, we should also be looking at what we can do for young couples or those on the housing waiting list.

“The provision of small, compact residential units is the way forward in terms of providing those who have the greatest housing need with residential accommodation.

“We could learn a lot from agencies like Clúid when it comes to providing social housing or dwellings that are suitable for the elderly. I have a list as long as your arm who are trying to access accommodation like this,” Cllr Donohue added.