Important social housing developments in Donegal MD

Construction works are well underway at 24 new housing units, part of the phase three development of Railway Park in Donegal Town, members of the Donegal Municipal District (MD) were told at their May meeting.
The houses are part of a number of important social housing developments at different stages of progress within the MD.
The project is due for completion in August.
The projects that were advancing were very much welcomed by councillors, while those at an earlier stage were also asked to be expedited, as soon as possible, particularly in light of the housing challenge that the MD was facing.
Construction works to the approved turnkey development at Brookfield in Donegal are now complete.
The development will provide 38 high quality and energy efficient social housing in Donegal Town.

The Phase three of the Donegal town project is expected to be completed around August

Phases 1 and 2 have already been tenanted and the contractual matters are now being finalised in advance of the phase three units being let to families and individuals from the social housing list.
A further development of five, two-bedroomed properties in Ballyshannon are also complete. Contractual matters are being concluded with the vendor and the council’s solicitors before being handed over to the area team and let to approved applicants. Councillors were also told that the council was also continuing to dialogue with developers in relation to an additional vaid proposal for 35 housing units at Donegal Town. This proposal is currently awaiting an Irish Water (Uisce Éireann) letter. More information would be available upon receipt of final departmental approval.
Meanwhile, the tender process for the 42 housing units at Drumacrin in Bundoran had been completed and a letter of intent had been issued to the prospective contractor, subject to the normal legal protocols.

Tenders, preliminary projects and other lands
Regarding the housing unit at Largymore in Kilcar, the tender process is now complete and consultant appointments and architectural tender drawings are in process.
It is anticipated that the Kilcar project will proceed to tender in the third quarter of the year.
At the preliminary design stage with all unit numbers in such applications subject to change, at this stage of development, a total of 17 units are to be located at New Row, Fintra Road in Killybegs.

The phase three development continuing apace at Railway Park in Donegal Town Photo: Siobhan McGowan

An application to the Department is being prepared for this project and subject to trial holes report, this application will be submitted this month.
At Laghey four housing units are also at preliminary design stage.
It is also anticipated that the Single Stage Application to the Department will be submitted for approval this month. The council is also currently in the process of acquiring two units under the Buy & Renew programme at Donegal Town.
Councillors were told that the acquisition will see two long-term vacant properties brought back into productive use for social housing purposes. Significant works will be required to the properties following the completion of the contract stage and in advance of the letting.
It was also stated that a number of suitable parcels of land have been identified across the Donegal MD and engagement/negotiations are ongoing directly with landowners/agents to acquire these lands. The council has currently one offer accepted, subject to contract, in Ballyshannon.