Housing Project Update

Cumann Tithíochta - Housing Association,

Comharchumann Árainn Mhór.

For information purposes only: Cumann Tithíochta Arainn Mhór was set up to progress the provision of semi-sheltered accommodation for the elderly at the site of Day Centre, Árainn Mhór. Although planning permission for the project was obtained a number of years ago, the project has not progressed for a number of years due to the economic climate. Funding for any project of any description is extremely difficult and this project is no different, the future of this particular project is in doubt. Provision of social housing is dependent on whether there is a recognized need for it, in other words, is there a waiting list for accommodation such as this on the island? At present it would appear that there isn't. Home owners- people who own the property in which they reside - do not qualify for social housing. Comharchumann Árainn Mhór has been maintaining the cost of annual accounts of Cumann Tithíochta. In the forthcoming weeks, a decision must be made regarding the continuance of Cumann Tithíochta and the Comharchumann's funding of it's accounts. An absence of individuals on a waiting list for accommodation in a housing project of this nature indicates that there may be no apparent need for accommodation of this nature. This factor must be considered when considering the continuance of the housing project, it's associated expenses and the ability of an Comharchumann to cover them.