Clúid Housing, in partnership with Cork County Council, has purchased an apartment complex in ‘The Granary’, Sleaveen Road, Macroom and as a result 29 families, from Cork County Council’s housing waiting list, are currently moving into their new homes.
The development is located close to Macroom town centre and comprises of two and three bedroom units which were originally built in 2005 but had been idle for a number of years.
Clúid and Cork County Council have combined forces to deliver more housing and “The Granary” is an example of the innovative and creative housing solutions, based on effective partnerships, which have become part and parcel of the delivery of the national Social Housing Strategy. This model of housing development is financed using private finance via the Housing Finance Agency along with the support of a small government loan, both of which are secured with support from Cork County Council.
New resident Mary Milner in her new home in the Granary, Macroom, Co Cork.
Without Cork County Council, the completion of the twenty nine units at “The Granary” would not have been possible according to James O’Halloran, Clúid ‘s New Business and Development Manager. “Since the outset of this project, Cork County Council has been fully behind the proposed acquisition and their support and knowledge of the scheme was invaluable”.
Commenting today at the recording of a promotional video for Clúid Housing Association highlighting ‘The Granary’ at Cork County Hall, the County Mayor, Cllr John Paul O’Shea acknowledged the excellent work undertaken by Clúid Housing Assocuiation in what are very challenging times for Housing throughout Cork County. “The success story of The Granary is testament to an innovative partnership between Clúid and Cork County Council and we as a Council are delighted to support such a forward thinking venture that has ensured 29 families have a new home. It is my intention as Mayor to see the continuation of this partnership approach to ensure that housing developments like The Granary are the first of many housing initiatives as we forge a long collaboration with Clúid and other Approved Housing Bodies into the future”.
According to Cork County Council’s Director of Housing Mary Ryan, “Cork County Council continues to build partnerships with the not-for-profit, Approved Housing Bodies such as Clúid. This is vital in today’s environment where the scarcity of supply is such a challenge. Cork County Council has applied new solutions to address the new challenges that have arisen and in this regard are delighted to have been involved in the delivery of this scheme. The range of housing options that can now be delivered through the social housing strategy is a very positive approach and as a Local Authority we are committed to progressing all available options to attain the necessary additional supply”.
Mary Ryan added that , “Cork County Council’s target for delivery of new social units through the Housing Strategy for the three years 2015 – 2017 is 1,217 units and, working with bodies such as Clúid which is the largest independent, not-for-profit housing association in Ireland will help deliver these affordable homes to people in need”.
