Councillor Patricia McCarthy, the Mayor, has officially opened County Clare's most recent housing development at Clarecastle.

Cluain Ard consists of 22 apartments (2x3 and 20x2 bed) and is located close to all recreational, social and functional requirements.

The development, which was completed earlier this year and presently houses 39 residents, came to fruition as a result of Clare County Council seeking proposals for turnkey developments. It brings to the total of houses under the ownership of Clare County Council to 1,365.

Commenting on the new scheme, Patricia McCarthy said: "The design, accessibility and usability of this development are of the highest standard. This was confirmed by the Irish Council for Social Housing, when it shortlisted the scheme for an award at its National Design Competition. Making it to the final, with over 100 entries nationwide, was no mean achievement and being selected as one of nine finalists was in fact truly deserving."

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Speaking at the official opening on Friday 14 December, Cllr Joe Arkins, said: "The individual aspects of the house design and external features add to the sense of safety and security, and thus generate a greater enjoyment of the home, the estate and general community. I note that each dwelling has a private, walled back garden, accessible through a side gate."

The completion of the Cluain Ard estate has brought the total number of local authority houses to 1365. It is anticipated that Clare County Council's building programme for the next 3 years will add a further 460 houses to the existing stock. Houses provided under the Rental Accommodation scheme, Affordable Housing schemes, as well as Voluntary Houses will complement this figure.

According to David Timlin, Director Of Services, Clare County Council: "The Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government continues to support the development of houses in the county. This, together with other housing services such as the upgrading of existing houses through the Regeneration and Remedial Works schemes, various grants schemes and maintenance and improvement works, will deliver safe, secure and comfortable homes for our customers."

(JM)