Cllr Frank Moran, Cathaoirleach of Tullamore Municipal District, has officially opened Offaly County Council's newest development of 38 social homes at Willow Drive, Clara.

The €12.5 million project, delivered under the Government's Housing for All initiative, is part of a broader effort to improve Ireland’s housing system and provide homes for people with varying housing needs.

The Willow Drive development features an A-rated energy-efficient design, offering a mix of 1, 2, 3, and 4-bedroom bungalows and two-storey dwellings, all of which are wheelchair accessible. The homes were developed as part of the Offaly Housing Delivery Action Plan 2022-2026, which prioritises the creation of new social and affordable housing across the county.

-- Advertisement --

The project was delivered through a collaborative effort between Offaly County Council’s Capital Design office, the Department of Housing, Local Government & Heritage, and a team of contractors and designers. Walsh & Associates Architects, Hayes Higgins Partnership Engineers, and John J Casey & Co Quantity Surveyors worked alongside contractor Bretland Construction Group to bring the project to life. Construction began in March 2023 and was completed ahead of schedule in October 2024.

Cllr Moran said: "I'm delighted to be here to officially open this development. There is high demand for housing in Offaly and these much-needed social homes will provide another 38 families and individuals with homes for life. Although this is a great news story today, I along with Offaly County Council's Elected Members and Executive will continue our efforts to meet the demand going forward."