Housing - Waterford City & County Council

19th November 2022

By Waterford City & County Council

Croí Cónaithe (Towns) Fund extended to cities and rural areas

Croí Cónaithe (Towns) Fund-extended to cities and rural areas

It was announced by the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien T.D. that the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant was extended to eligible vacant properties in both cities and rural areas to ensure the existing housing stock is being used to the fullest extent possible.

A grant of up to a maximum of €30,000 is available for the refurbishment of vacant properties for occupation as a principal private residence, including the conversion of a property which has not been used as residential heretofore. This is subject to upper limits for the types of work specified below having regard to a reasonable cost assessment by the local authority.

All queries in relation to the scheme to be sent to: vacanthomes@waterfordcouncil.ie

Where the refurbishment costs are expected to exceed the standard grant of up to €30,000, a maximum top-up grant amount of up to €20,000 will be available where the property is confirmed by the applicant to be derelict (i.e. structurally unsound and dangerous) bringing the total grant available for a derelict property up to a maximum of €50,000. In the case of a top-up grant in respect of a derelict property, an independent report prepared by an appropriately qualified professional (e.g. quantity surveyor, engineer etc.) is required to be submitted along with the application confirming that the property is derelict (i.e. structurally unsound and dangerous).

Those applying for the grant will be required to indicate on the application form to confirm if they are applying for the vacant property refurbishment grant alone or the vacant property refurbishment grant including the derelict property top-up grant.

Properties considered for inclusion must be vacant for two years or more and built before 1993. For the purposes of this scheme, a property is deemed to be vacant if it has been vacant and unoccupied for a period of two years or more. Confirmation of vacancy can be validated and verified by the use of, for example, Utility Bills which can help determine vacancy periods (e.g. pattern of usage or disconnection) or such other proofs as are available to the satisfaction of the local authority. Confirmation of vacancy must be validated and verified by the local authority prior to grant approval.

An SEAI Better Energy Home Scheme Grant may be available in combination with this grant. Works covered by SEAI Better Energy Homes Scheme will therefore not be covered. The local authority must satisfy themselves that proposed works are not claimed for under any other grant.

Proof of both vacancy and ownership will be required to support the grant payment. In terms of ownership, it is a matter for the applicant to confirm ownership with the local authority.

21st September 2022

By Waterford City & County Council

Social housing development shortlisted in Irish Building & Design Awards

A social housing development in Larchville which was completed by Waterford City and County Council in Autumn 2021 has been shortlisted as finalist in the Irish Building and Design Awards, Public Sector – Housing Project of the Year.

Funded by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage under the Rebuilding Ireland programme, the project consists of five new housing units. Client design team was led by Diarmuid Reil Architects and the contractor was John Somers Construction Ltd.

Anton Lennon, Executive Engineer, Waterford City and County Council said it was a great acknowledgment of the quality of Waterford’s social housing projects, “These awards recognise excellence in the build and design sectors, so to be shortlisted is a huge endorsement of the high standards and quality of finish of the Larchville project.”

The awards final take place in Dublin on October 7^th, 2022

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22nd August 2022

By Waterford City & County Council

Mount William housing estate officially opened with day of family-fun festivities

There was festival atmosphere as Waterford City and County Council’s Mount William estate was officially opened by the Mayor of Waterford City and County on Saturday, August 20^th.

Mount William, a housing development on the Williamstown Road comprises of 65 units, predominantly two and three bedrooms and was built by Liam Neville Developments.

Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. John O’Leary cut the ribbon to officially open the estate and to herald the start a family-fun festivities that were enjoyed by residents of the estate. Welcoming those in attendance, the Mayor said, “From the outset of this development and especially since its completion, it’s evident that there is strong sense of community here.”

“Shortly after all the properties were allocated, the residents of Mount William formed a residents’ association and quickly set about establishing a sense of identity and strong bonds, both within the estate itself and the wider area.”

The Mayor went on to thank the developers and the Council’s Estate and Tenancy Manager, Michael Murphy, adding, “This estate is a fantastic example of a partnership between the local authority and tenants of a development which has resulted in a community where people can enjoy their new homes in safe, peaceful surroundings.”

On the day, families from Mount William enjoyed face-painting, an outdoor disco, a visit from Nore Valley Mobile farm and a chance to meet members of the local Garda Síochána and fire service personnel.

Marina Barry, Secretary of the Mount William Residents’ Association highlighted the collaborative partnership between the residents and the local authority. “It’s great to see these celebrations come to fruition and the official opening of a great estate. There is a wonderful connectedness between the residents of Mount William and it’s evident today that the children, families and individuals here are part of a community that will only grow stronger together.”

Micheal Murphy, Waterford City and County Council Estate and Tenancy Manager added, “Since the allocation of the homes here in Mount William and since people began to move into their homes, there has been an overwhelming feeling of potential within the boundaries of this estate.”

“Over the past number of months but particularly since the residents association formed, this sense of potential has become a tangible sense of community, sustainability and is now building to a sense that Mount William has become and continues to evolve into a holistic living environment for those who live here and those who visit.”

-ENDS-

17th August 2022

By Waterford City & County Council

Construction commences on new social housing development in Ballygunner, Co. Waterford

Waterford City and County Council is pleased to announce that construction has started on a new social housing development at Ballygunner.

The development, Plás Mhic Ginn/McGinn Place, is funded by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage under the Housing for All programme and will consist of 49 new social housing units.

Philip Blake, Executive Architect with Waterford City and County Council said, “We are delighted to commence work on this project which will see the delivery of 49 homes, all appointed to the highest standards in the sought-after area of Ballygunner, and close to schools, amenities and a stone’s throw from the city centre.”

Cleary Doyle Construction is the main contractor and the design team is led by Van Dijk Architects.

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9th August 2022

By Waterford City & County Council

Croí Cónaithe (Town) Fund now open

A grant of up to a maximum of €30,000 will be available for the refurbishment of vacant properties for occupation as a principal private residence, including the conversion of a property which has not been used as residential heretofore.

This will be subject to upper limits for the types of work specified below having regard to a reasonable cost assessment by the local authority.

All queries in relation to the scheme to be sent to: vacanthomes@waterfordcouncil.ie

10th June 2022

By Waterford City & County Council

Official Opening of Waterford Council’s latest social housing development

Waterford’s latest social housing development, Port na Machan in Kilmacthomas was officially opened by Cllr. John O’Leary, Cathaoirleach of the Comeragh District.

Minister of State for Mental Health and Older People Mary Butler TD was also in attendance as the ribbon was cut on the 16-unit development.

Funded by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, John Somers Construction was the main contractor on the development with the design team led by CJ Falconer & Associates.

The development consists of a mix of homes with 6 one-beds, 8 two-beds and 2 three-beds. All of the ground floor units have a south-facing garden, while the first-floor apartments are fitted with balconies, overlooking the River Mahon and river walkway.

Addressing the attendees Cllr. O’ Leary said, “The importance of having a home of your own cannot be understated. A home provides security, control, belonging, identity, and privacy, among other things. It gives us a place to set off from in the morning, and a place to come home to.”

Cllr. O’Leary also commended Waterford City and County Council’s Housing department, engineering team, estate management team, John Somers Construction and CJ Falconer & Associates for “a truly collaborative project, which has resulted in the high standard of this development.”

Ivan Grimes, Director of Services for Housing, Waterford City and County Council, said, “We are extremely pleased with the standard of finish at Port na Machan. All of the homes are A2-energy rated for greater energy efficiency and cost savings. Not only are the homes appointed to the highest standards, they are set against one of the most picturesque backdrops in the heart of Kilmacthomas, close to schools and amenities, a stone’s throw from the Waterford Greenway and close to Dungarvan and Waterford city.”

“In partnership with the Department of Housing, Waterford City and County Council will continue to deliver projects such as Port na Machan, which not only provide homes for families, but also help sustain local shops, local services and local communities.”

Senator John Cummins, Councillors from the Comeragh and Dungarvan / Lismore districts along with residents of the new development were in attendance.

23rd April 2022

By Waterford City & County Council

Works progressing on new social housing development at Ballytruckle

Plás Ostmen/Ostmen Place is a new social housing development consisting of 14 new social housing units in Ballytruckle, funded by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage under the Housing for All programme.

Anton Lennon, Executive Engineer with Waterford City and County Council said, “This new development will provide a mix of one, two and three bedroom units, close to schools and within walking distance of amenities. Work is progressing well on the development so far and we anticipate that the units should be completed on programme.”

Nevin Construction is the main contractor and the design team is led by CJ Falconer & Associates.

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20th March 2022

By Waterford City & County Council

WC&CC Affordable Housing Scheme – register your interest using our Online Form

Waterford City & County Council is seeking to progress affordable housing in Waterford City at a number of locations in partnership with developers and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.

DEADLINE : Thursday March 31, 2022 at 5:00 PM

For first time buyers who are currently unable to get a mortgage for a new house in Waterford City the affordable housing scheme will provide for:

· The purchase of a home from our partner developers using mortgage borrowing to the greatest extent possible, within the income capacity of the purchaser/s and the Central Bank prudential rules.

· The Council to take shared equity in the home to cover the shortfall in the price to a maximum of 40% and a minimum of 5%.

The Shared Equity by the Council in the home can be redeemed at any stage in the future by payment to the Council or may be left in place until a future sale of the property or for the lifetime of the purchaser/s.

Interested persons should note that:

· You will have to be able to meet the 10% deposit requirement of the money borrowed.

· The purchaser/s will be eligible for the Help to Buy scheme for first time buyers. Help to Buy Scheme link · Purchaser/s may be eligible for a Local Authority Home Loan (LAHL). Local Authority Home Loan link

In general you, as an individual or joint applicant, will need to have a Gross Income of between €55,000 and €70,000 to be eligible for this scheme.

If you wish to register an interest in purchasing a home in Waterford City please register here: https://submit.link/Kc

ONLINE ASSESSMENT – IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

· This is a provisional expression of interest only, for the purpose of gathering information and determining potential levels of interest.

· Eligibility criteria may change from time to time.

· Completion of the assessment does not imply eligibility or convey approval in any form, to a future offer of affordable housing by Waterford City & County Council.

· This is not a waiting list and will not determine priority.

· The existence of this register does not preclude others from applying to be considered for affordable housing.

· The data submitted by you as part of this submission, will be retained for as long as the relevant statutory provisions remain in force and may be used for the following purposes:

– The establishment of a register of provisional levels of interest in affordable housing provided by Waterford City & County Council but will not form any part of a wait list.

– To make further contact with applicants to confirm continuing interest and for final confirmation of actual interest.

– The potential onward transfer of the data to a register maintained by Waterford City and County Council of confirmed interest, which can be used as part of the process for final evaluation, prior to provisional approval for affordable Housing

– The potential onward transfer to the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government or the Housing Agency as part of any evaluation or approval process associated with affordable housing.

– As a base register from which a list of approved applications may be derived to be passed on to a builder/developer of affordable homes.

This information is sought by the Housing Department of Waterford City &County Council and retained in pursuance of the functions of Waterford City & County Council in relation to housing under the Housing Acts 1966-2015 and in relation to affordable housing under Part 5 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions ) Act 2009 and Section 96 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 as amended and Affordable Housing Act 2021.

For queries, please email: affordablehomes@waterfordcouncil.ie

16th March 2022

By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford City & County Council seeks Expressions of Interest for Affordable Housing Scheme

Waterford City and County Council is seeking to progress affordable housing in Waterford City at a number of locations in partnership with developers and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.

Recently launched by Darragh O’Brien TD, Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Waterford City and County Council’s Affordable Housing Purchase Scheme is open to first time buyers who are unable to get a mortgage for a new house in Waterford City.

For first time buyers who are currently unable to get a mortgage for a new house in Waterford City the affordable housing scheme will provide for:

· The purchase of a home from Waterford Council’s partner developers using mortgage borrowing to the greatest extent possible, within the income capacity of the purchaser/s and the Central Bank prudential rules.

· Waterford City and County Council to take shared equity in the home to cover the shortfall in the price to a maximum of 40% and a minimum of 5%.

Minister O’Brien said, “The Affordable Purchase Scheme opens up opportunities for purchasers who have been unable to access mortgage funding to date due to a shortfall in available funding. Eligible buyers will be able to access the Local Authority Home Loan and the Help to Buy scheme. We see this as another significant milestone in meeting our commitment to support home ownership and increase affordability.”

Interested persons should note that the applicant will have to meet a 10% deposit requirement of the money borrowed; the purchaser/s will be eligible for the Help to Buy scheme for first time buyers and purchaser/s may be eligible for a Local Authority Home Loan (LAHL).

In general, an individual or joint applicant will need to have a Gross Income of between €55,000 and €70,000 to be eligible for this scheme.

The houses in Kilbarry, Williamstown and Carrickphierish will be available for purchase and interested persons should visit www.waterfordcouncil.ie to express an interest in the scheme or for further details.

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9th March 2022