Wexford TD and Minister of State at the Department of Finance, Minister Michael D’Arcy, today officially opened a number of housing developments throughout Wexford with the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government, Eoghan Murphy TD.

The developments officially opened were;

Baile Eoghain, Gorey; Final phase of this development of social housing with the launch of 9 A rated homes.

Willow View, Castlebridge: Final phase of this development of social housing with the launch of 10 A rated homes.

Rath an Dúin, Castlebridge; The launch of 3 turn-key units with a passive A1 rating.

Rosetown, Rosslare Strand; The launch of 2 special needs homes.

Ard Uisce, Whiterock Hill, Wexford; The launch 169 homes for mixed-use housing with an A2 rating.

Speaking at official openings of these housing developments, Minister D’Arcy said; “There has been very significant progress made in delivering on Rebuilding Ireland’s targets in County Wexford. This is reflected in the reductions recorded on the housing waiting lists. Between 2016 and 2018, the number of households on Wexford’s list reduced by 567, or over 20%. The 2019 target is for the delivery of an additional 931 housing supports in County Wexford, comprising 353 homes through build, acquisition and leasing programmes and another 578 households are to be supported through the housing assistance payment (HAP) and the rental accommodation scheme. This will significantly impact on reducing Wexford’s housing list even further.

“It is extremely positive for Wexford to continue increasing our housing supply, and I am delighted to be here today with Minister Murphy officially opening these developments.”

On visiting the 75-acre St. Waleran’s site in Ballytegan, Gorey, which was recently purchased by Wexford County Council, Minister D’Arcy said; “The purchase of this 75-acre site by Wexford County Council is a real game-changer.

“We will be able to construct social housing, private housing and affordable housing for people from North Wexford which is really important for me. I want to make sure people can stay in the area they were born and reared in and this affordable housing can make that a reality. We can also build sporting facilities on this site, and I believe we should also build the town’s third secondary school here to ensure we have enough places in the future for children from primary to post-primary schools. This is extremely important for any expanding town like Gorey.

“I look forward to working closely with the Council in supporting and securing the funding that will be required for the future development of this site and to ensure the realisation of its full potential over the coming years.”