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The national organisation promoting and developing co-operative housing in Ireland said it delivered 454 homes last year, despite the challenges posed by Covid-19.

Co-operative Housing Ireland said that represented an increase of over a fifth on the previous year and that it was a record number of housing deliveries for the organisation.

The outcome was achieved despite a shutdown of the construction sector for several weeks from late March to early May last year at the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic here.

According to its annual report, to be published later today, CHI said the homes were delivered across 13 counties in cities and small towns.

The majority of the homes – 236 – were delivered in Munster with 199 in Leinster and the remaining 19 in Connacht.

“The housing need is nationwide and so too must be our response. To achieve this landmark delivery €111.2 million of loans were drawn down in 2020. We are on target to deliver more than 500 homes this year,” Chairperson of CHI Pearse O’Shiel said.

“The pandemic further highlighted that the only guaranteed affordable-rented homes in Ireland are provided by local authorities, housing associations, and housing co-operatives,” he added.

The publication of CHI’s annual report coincides with the launch today of a development of 80 homes in County Kildare, the largest CHI development in the county to date.

Loughlion Green, which is located close to Kildare Village, is a development of A-rated social-rented homes ranging in size form one to four bedroom units.

The scheme was developed through a partnership with Kildare County Council, Bank of Ireland, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, and Kelby Developments.

Article Source – Co-operative housing delivers record 454 homes in 2020 – RTE – Brian Finn

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