Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government, Eoghan Murphy, TD, paid a fleeting visit to Enniscorthy today where he launched a new 52-house development at Greenville.

He was accompanied by fellow Fine Gael colleagues and Wexford ministers Paul Kehoe TD and Michael D’Arcy and was welcomed to Enniscorthy by Cllr Kathleen Codd-Nolan, Cathaoirleach, Enniscorthy Municipal District Council.

Later in the day during the November meeting of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council at the Presentation Centre, Enniscorthy, John Carley, Director of Services presented a detailed report on the housing situation in the town and district.

There are presently 509 Enniscorthy applicants on the Wexford County Council Social Housing Supports list, with an additional 286 on the Transfer List (mostly in HAP- Housing Assistance Payment). These include 187 x 1-bed; 147 x 2-bed; 115 x 3-bed; 5 x 4-bed; 1 x 5-bed, and 44 are awaiting approval.

The following 220 houses are currently under construction or planned as follows; 8 under construction at Ross Road, Enniscorthy, and The Ballagh; 17 are on Stage 3 at Carley’s Bridge, Enniscorthy; 8 are on Stage 2 at Rosemary Heights, Ferns; 2 are on Stage 1 at Marconi Park, Enniscorthy, and Marley, Marshalstown; 24 are on Longer Term at Daphne View, Enniscorthy; 50 are on Turn Keys at Clonhaston, east of Enniscorthy; and ready to go is 52 houses at Greenville, Enniscorthy, and 59 at Old Forge.

“I think that is a reasonable solid record of achievement,” stated Mr. Carley, who added; “We must encourage people to engage with various schemes.” Cllr Jackser Owens supported the report while Cllr Cathal Byrne thanked the officials for “a very complete report.” Cllr Aidan Browne asked about the housing situation in Ferns.