City developer dismisses misinformation about social housing project in Limerick

DEVELOPERS of a new housing scheme in Limerick city centre have hit out at misinformation that the new accommodation will be used by international protection applicants.

The company stressed that residents will come from the official local authority housing list and not, contrary to misinformed social media posts, be placed by International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS).

ABEM Developments will complete their 11 social housing units at 12-13 Upper William St within the next six weeks for handover to Focus Ireland’s housing body, Focus Housing Association.

Regarding misinformation on social media surrounding the use of the site, Michael Long, a co-founder of ABEM Developments, said: “This has been disappointing and has been brought to our attention by gardaí.

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“It’s unfortunate, but for whatever reason, some people are trying to suggest this is something other than what it is.

“You’d like to think that, at best, it’s just people putting two and two together and getting five, but it’s important that this is clarified and that people understand that suggestions around these units being filled by IPAS are completely wrong.

“We’re proud of this project, as we have been with our other developments so far. The work is top quality, and these units are going to take up to 22 people off the homeless list. We look forward to developing similar projects elsewhere in Limerick.”

The project, the latest in a €10m programme by the company to convert disused properties in the Mid-West over three years, will end the wait for tenants who have been living temporarily with family members and friends .

“We’ve managed to bring this project to fruition in less than six months,” Mr Long continued.

“We took two adjacent buildings on William St and converted them into high-quality homes for a housing charity to be able to eat into the long waiting list in Limerick.

“We’ve done a number of similar projects already in Clare, but this is our first one in Limerick city, and what it has confirmed to us is the opportunity for more of this in the city centre.

“There are a large number of vacant and derelict sites in Limerick that should be looked at as the low-hanging fruit in terms of tackling the housing list.

“We’ve seen the potential for more and will be looking for other opportunities in Limerick as a result.”