Donegal County Council has confirmed it has acquired two large sites in Letterkenny with a view to building in excess of 300 new homes.
“Given the current housing challenges, this is a significant boost and offers hope for many families in the town,” a council spokesperson said.
One of the sites, on the High Road (8.23 acres), was sold last month as confirmed at the time by Donegal Daily. The second plot (13.89 acres) is at Ballymacool (below), adjacent to the town park and opposite O’Donnell Park.
In a statement released today, the council said it intends to build in excess of 300 new homes in the town under the Housing for All Programme.
“We secured approval for additional staff resources in 2022, from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage to help focus on land acquisition and this is now starting to bear fruit,” a council spokesperson said.
“To date we have reached agreement to acquire land in a number of locations throughout the county, and are making good progress with others.’
The council confirmed their Housing Capital team is focused on increasing their landbank capacity for housing across the county.
“Naturally the process takes time, but we are making good progress, and we are particularly pleased to have secured these two sites in Letterkenny. Both are well located and within walking distance to shops, restaurants, schools and other amenities. The High Road site for example, is right in the town centre and only a few hundred metres from the Main Street, as well as Letterkenny University Hospital and the Bernard McGlinchey Town Park. The Ballymacool site is located close to amenities such as the Ballymacool Town Park, the Aura Leisure Centre and St. Eunans GAA, and is only a short walk from the town centre.”
The council estimates the two Letterkenny sites alone will result in a direct housing capital investment of over €75m in the local economy.
As regards the next steps, the council has indicated that “the process of turning land into homes will obviously take some time, having regard to the required consultation, planning and procurement processes.”
In relation to the nature of the developments, the spokesperson indicated that consultation locally with elected members, the community and other groups will be important in framing the developments going forward.
“However, I can confirm that based on various engagements with elected members and other groups we do see a need, and an opportunity, to incorporate sheltered accommodation for older people as well as suitable accommodation for other specific needs. The size of both sites gives us options for an appropriate mix of family homes as well as homes for single people who comprise a large percentage of the housing list in the town.”
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