MINISTER for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne TD visited Donegal on Friday to see progress on four social housing developments.
In total, the developments in Letterkenny, Kilmacrennan and Lifford will deliver 131 new homes for families across the county.
Minister Charlie McConalogue also attended the visit, along with TDs Pat ‘the Cope’ Gallagher, Padraig Mac Lochlainn, Charles Ward and Niall Blaney.
The Minister was welcomed to Letterkenny by the Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council, Cllr Paul Canning, and the Mayor of the Letterkenny-Milford Municipal District, Cllr Ciaran Brogan.
Cathaoirleach Cllr Paul Canning said the visit highlighted the scale of delivery now underway across Donegal.
“These developments represent real progress for communities across our county and demonstrate our shared commitment to increasing the supply of high-quality social homes,” he said.
“The delivery of 131 homes across Letterkenny, Kilmacrennan and Lifford will make a meaningful difference for individuals and families who need secure, modern accommodation.”
Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne TD said: “I was impressed with the progress of the four developments I visited. The delivery of these 161 new social homes is an essential for Donegal families and reflects my commitment to increasing the supply of high‑quality social housing.”
“These homes will provide security, stability and help build new communities for people to grow up and grow old.”
“I am backing local authorities like Donegal County Council with record levels of funding and support.”
The visit began at Windyhall, Letterkenny, where 21 homes are under construction through the competitive dialogue turnkey acquisition process, with McHugh Bros (Builders) Ltd delivering the scheme.
At Oran Hill on Kilmacrennan Road in Letterkenny, the Minister viewed a council-led in-house development of 30 homes that is currently under construction by Lowry Construction Limited.
The Minister also turned the sod at Ard Na Glaise, Kilmacrennan, where 20 homes are to be developed on council-owned lands as part of a design and build project being constructed by M.L. Quinn Construction Ltd.
The visit concluded in Lifford, where 60 social housing units are under construction as part of the wider development of council-owned lands at Lifford Common, led by Donegal County Council’s Economic Development Section. John O’ Donnell Construction Ltd are the contractors on this project.
During the visit, Claire Burke, Senior Executive Architect, outlined the design approach for the in-house projects, highlighting the council’s focus on delivering high-quality, sustainable, low-energy and low-maintenance homes. The schemes incorporate standard house types in line with the Department’s Design Manual for Quality Housing, supporting long-term value, accessibility and sustainability for tenants.
John Gallagher, Senior Engineer, acknowledged the ongoing support of the Department of Housing, Local Government, TDs and elected members in progressing the council’s ambitious housing programme across the county. He also recognised Uisce Éireann’s support for social housing developments.
Chief Executive of Donegal County Council John G McLaughlin said the projects reflected the council’s determination to expand delivery and meet housing need across the county.
“Donegal County Council is committed to progressing an ambitious housing programme that responds to local need and supports sustainable community development,” he said.
“We value the continued support of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, our elected members and delivery partners as we work to bring these important projects forward.”
The Minister’s visit concluded in Lifford with a meeting of Donegal County Council’s Defective Concrete Block (DCB) Committee to review the redress scheme and discuss progress to date.
Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne TD, with Council Staff and McHugh Bros (builders) Ltd Contractors at Windyhall, Letterkenny, where 21 new social homes are under construction. Photo NW Newspix