Concern raised at plan for social housing in Limerick estate

RESIDENTS have questioned a plan which will see almost 20 new social houses at one of the last remaining green spots in their estate.

An area of Ballinacurra Gardens, opposite Our Lady or Lourdes Community Centre in Childers Road has been marked for 19 new houses.

Known locally as Lynch’s Field, the site was once home to Greenfields Stores.

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Now, the Greenfields, Roundwood, Oakview Drive, and Ballinacurra Gardens Residents Association have written to Mayor John Moran, along with council director Dr Pat Daly and members of the authority asking for more information on what is planned.

Permission is already in place for the homes, but the residents initially understood the mix to be 15 private homes and four social.

However, at the association’s annual general meeting, they’ve said, following the mayoral order, in fact all 19 homes will be designated for council tenants, and will be managed through Tuath Housing, an approved housing body (AHB).

Operating at arms’ length from council, AHBs are independent, not-for-profit organisations.

They provide affordable rented housing for people who cannot afford to pay rent in the private sector or buy their own homes.

A spokesperson for Limerick City and County Council confirmed Mayor Moran had signed an order allowing Tuath Housing to deliver 19 step-down residential units for people over 55 and those with disabilities.

They added: "We operate a robust and transparent tenure mix policy designed to ensure the sustainable delivery of social, affordable, and private housing within an integrated framework."

"This development will deliver high-quality, well-managed homes that meet local housing need-particularly for older persons and people with disabilities," the spokesperson concluded.