Fine Gael Kildare South TD Martin Heydon has welcomed Housing Minister Eoghan Murphy to Athy this morning where he officially opened the new Family Hub to be run by Peter McVerry Trust. The 7 family unit hub have been developed in the former priory on the old Dominican site.
“I am delighted to see these family units now developed and ready to be occupied. They are one of only 3 family hubs developed outside of Dublin and will allow homeless Kildare families to leave B&B accommodation and move to temporary purpose built family units.
“As the Minister highlighted in his address this morning, these are not a long term solution but they are better for families than the insecurity and conditions at hotels and guesthouses so they are a stepping stone to more permanent accommodation. It is envisaged that families will only spend 3-6 months in these units.
Following the opening at the Dominicans Minister Murphy visited the unfinished estate at Gallowshill where Respond the housing association is awaiting approval to construct a further 24 new family homes to complete the estate. This is addition to planning approval for Respond to build 34 social homes Flinter’s Field shows the progression plan for Athy families with 59 additional social houses starting construction in the town this year.
“This week also saw confirmation from Minister Murphy of funding for the construction of a further 30 new housing units at the Dominicans site in an innovative positive again development planned for over 55’s.
“These initiatives are all funded under the Rebuilding Ireland programme which is Fine Gael’s policy for delivering housing in Ireland and it is positive to see these developments in Kildare South.