I am delighted to announce the allocation of a significant grant from the Dept of Environment for €667,000 for the construction and fit out of 6 sheltered housing units in Kilanerin. The Kilanerin Ballyfad Community Development Association (KBCDA) had applied for funding for a number of years but to no avail. However, with funds unspent in the Capital Assistance Scheme, I believed that Kilanerin  was perfectly placed to advance their project, that is shovel ready. There is some paperwork to be concluded between the KBCDA, Wexford Co Co and the Dept of Environment. Following this, tenders will be requested and the contract awarded. I expect construction to start early in the new year. Some good news for the hard pressed construction sector.

‘The Housing Association is delighted with  the news that the sheltered housing project, for which there is a real need in the area, has been awarded funds by the Department of the Environment and will be able to commence shortly.’- Michael McGonigle, Chairman of Kilanerin-Ballyfad Housing Association.

We welcome the announcement that the Kilanerin-Ballyfad Sheltered Housing Association project has at last been awarded the funding which will allow the scheme to be brought to completion. The need for a sheltered housing scheme to provide good quality, affordable housing, within the community was one of the most requested options in the community survey carried out in 2005. This will allow people from the Kilanerin, Ballyfad, Ballythomas, Annagh and Hollyfort areas to continue to live centrally within their own community when the situation arises that their mobility is restricted due to age, infirmity or other circumstances. The support of Wexford County Council for this project to date is much appreciated. Also the persistent efforts of Senator Michael D’Arcy to secure funding since the inception of this project, must be acknowledged” – Peter O’ Connor, Chairman, Kilanerin-Ballyfad Community Development.