WATCH: Almost 250 new homes officially launched in Limerick

A TOTAL of 247 new homes have been officially launched in Limerick city.

Speaking at one development on Bloodmill Road, Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien TD said: “Last year social housing delivery was the highest in almost 50 years and we are on target to deliver more in 2023. Co-operative Housing Ireland and other Approved Housing Bodies are key partners in achieving the Government’s housing strategy, ‘Housing for All’.

“AHBs are expected to provide between 43% and 50% of the 9,100 new-build social homes due to be completed this year. I commend Co-operative Housing Ireland on delivering 463 homes last year, its ambition for 2023 and this impressive development in Amharc Muileann in partnership with Limerick City and County Council,” he added at Monday's launch.

Amharc Muileann comprises of eight one-bed apartments, 36 two-bed apartments, 91 three-bed houses and two four-bed houses. The majority of households in Amharc Muileann are working families with children. The homes were delivered in phases throughout 2022 and 2023.

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“You feel the buzz and the atmosphere here is great, the work that’s been done here since people moved in is really important because with the residents association, the CHI and Limerick City and County Council, getting people to know their neighbours, that’s something that I think we’ve lost a bit in Ireland over the years but you can feel it here in Limerick today, many people from many different backgrounds and nationalities all living together here in this wonderful development,”Minister O'Brien told the Limerick Leader.

Also in attendance was Mayor of the City and County of Limerick, Cllr Gerald Mitchell who explained: “Homes delivered by local authorities and Approved Housing Bodies like Co-operative Housing Ireland are crucial to relieving the current housing need.

The homes provided here at Amharc Muileann are truly affordable with security of tenure.

“I had the opportunity to visit another new CHI estate this morning. These homes are a testament to what cooperation between Limerick City and County Council and Co-operative Housing Ireland can achieve together.”

Earlier that day they opened 110 homes in Móineír, Clonmacken. Minister O'Brien then launched 14 new social homes in Moyross for the Peter McVerry Trust's housing regeneration project. Co-operative Housing Ireland has delivered 339 new homes since January and is on target to achieve a record year of 700+ homes.