Minister Cummins officially opens 41 new homes in South Kilkenny across two developments

• New developments in Ferrybank and Kilmacow will help meet local housing demand

Minister of State Minister of State with responsibility for Local Government and Planning, John Cummins TD today launched two new housing developments in South Kilkenny, both of which were funded by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.

Minister Cummins officially cut the ribbon on the 16-home Abbeymount Housing Development in Ferrybank, before moving on to open the 25-home mixed-tenure residential development at Churchview in Upper Kilmacow.

Abbeymount is a new residential housing development located on Abbey Road, Ferrybank, Co. Kilkenny. The scheme was designed and delivered by David Flynn Developments Ltd. in partnership with Kilkenny County Council through an advance purchase arrangement.

The development provides 16 new homes, comprising 12 three-bedroom houses and 4 two-bedroom houses – and was funded by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage under the Social Housing Investment Programme.

Minister Cummins said: “It’s fantastic to be here to officially open this new development at Abbeymount. Ferrybank is a fast-growing community with significant investment in residential, commercial and community infrastructure. Abbeymount responds directly to the strong and sustained housing demand in the Ferrybank area for both family homes and smaller household accommodation. I would like to pay tribute to Kilkenny County Council for their great work to meet housing need in the area.”

The Minister then made his way to Churchview in Kilmacow to officially open a new 25-home mixed-tenure residential development. Churchview is located in Upper Kilmacow, Co. Kilkenny, adjacent to local amenities including St Senan's National School, the church, community hall and local shops.

The development has been delivered through a partnership between Kilkenny County Council, Dunkitt Properties Ltd and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.

The development comprises 25 homes across two tenures: 13 Affordable Purchase homes (3-bedroom family homes) delivered with support from the Affordable Housing Fund, and 12 Social Housing homes, consisting of 4 one-bedroom homes and 8 two-bedroom homes.

Minister Cummins said: “Churchview demonstrates the success of mixed-tenure housing delivery, creating an inclusive community rather than separate developments.  It particularly demonstrates that Affordable Housing Purchase schemes can be successful in smaller towns and villages across Ireland, allowing people the opportunity to live in the community of their choice. The scheme provides opportunities for both families purchasing their first home and households accessing social housing. Kilmacow continues to grow as an attractive place to live and raise a family. I have no doubt that this development will support the continued growth of Kilmacow while strengthening the social and economic fabric of the village.”

To round out the day’s events, Minister Cummins also paid a visit to a housing project which is currently under construction in Mooncoin, which will again help meet growing housing demand in the wider South Kilkenny area.

Minister Cummins concluded by saying “As a Government, we are making tangible progress in developing much needed homes for individuals and families across the country. We need to build on the momentum that has been generated, and I look forward to continuing to work with all stakeholders, as we strive to increase output even further.”