A former derelict site in Navan, Co Meath, has been transformed into a new age-friendly housing development.

Four new homes were built on the Proudstown Road site and officially opened last week, Friday 10 May.

They comprise two 2-bed and two 1-bed houses, providing opportunities for older people living in larger homes, in the town, with accommodation more suitable to their needs.

Opening the homes, Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government, Damien English, T.D, said: "Many older people live in large houses that are perhaps no longer suitable for their needs, and while they wish to continue to live independently in their locality, they have limited alternatives open to them. These homes developed by Meath County Council are purpose built, close to local services, public transport and to the town centre and give people a viable alternative and potentially free-up larger homes for others that need more space."

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The €825,000 development was designed by James J Ahern and constructed by J Davis Construction Ltd.

Meath County Council's Director of Housing, Barry Lynch explained that Universal Design Guidelines were also used so that the houses work well for everybody: "They were designed with four key principles in mind. The houses are integrated into the neighbourhood; they are easy to approach, enter and move around in; they are easy to use, manage and maintain; and they are safe, cost effective and adaptable over time. The Council hopes in time to develop more such units, at appropriate locations in towns across the county."

The new Proudstown Road homes are part of the council's aim to deliver 1,325 new additional homes in the county by the end of 2021.

(CM/MH)