€120m Westmeath housing development seeking five year planning extension
Today at 04:32
Developers behind a €120m housing development in Athlone have applied for further time to complete one of the largest residential housing developments the midlands town has ever seen.
An Bord Pleanála rubberstamped plans for 426 new homes on a near 40 acre site at lands and bordering Buccaneers rugby club, in the townlands of Coosan, Cornamagh, and Clonbrusk in October 2020.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Irish Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Irish Daily Mirror
Concern about impact of Goverment scheme for housing Ukrainian refugees
Concern has been voiced about the impact of a Government scheme for housing refugees from Ukraine on the private rental sector as new figures show the number of private properties being used has increased by 17 per cent since the start of the year. A record number of over 21,800 dwellings are currently being used to accommodate Ukrainian refugees under the Accommodation Recognition Payment (ARP) scheme, according to the latest figures from the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration. It represents an increase of over 3,100 additional properties being involved in the ARP scheme since January. Owners or tenants of such properties were entitled to claim a monthly payment of €800 for housing Ukrainian refugees who arrived in Ireland under the EU Temporary Protection Directive but the sum has been reduced to €600 per month since June 1. A total of 21,803 properties are now being used as part of the ARP scheme to provide homes to almost 39,600 Ukrainian refugees with 16,900 hosts in receipt of monthly payments. The figures show that over €339 million has been paid to date to 26,100 recipients for hosting 56,700 temporary protection beneficiaries since the scheme was launched in July 2022. The figures were provided in response to a parliamentary question by Sinn Féin's justice, home affairs and migration spokesperson, Matt Carthy. Not surprisingly, the largest number of properties involved in the scheme are located in Dublin with almost 3,300 currently housing refugees from Ukraine. A child carrying a dog seen at Lviv Railway station (Image: Mykola Tys/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images) The second highest number is in Donegal where 2,070 private properties are in use followed by Cork (1,611) Mayo (1,425) and Kerry (1,308). The smallest number is 128 in Roscommon. The figures indicate that approximately one per cent of the Republic's 2.1 million housing stock is being used to house Ukrainian refugees with varying differences across the country. The proportion ranges from an estimated 2.4 per cent of all dwellings in Donegal to just 0.4 per cent of all homes in Roscommon. Other counties with a high proportion of their housing stock being used to accommodate refugees from Ukraine are Leitrim (2.2 per cent), Mayo (2.1 per cent) and Carlow and Longford (both two per cent). Less than one per cent of residences in Cork, Dublin, Galway, Kildare, Meath, Kilkenny and Wicklow are involved in the scheme. The number of properties being used to house Ukrainian refugees has risen by at least 10 per cent since the start of the year in all counties with the exception of Kildare and Kilkenny where the increases were at a slower rate. Mr Carthy said Sinn Féin has never received a satisfactory answer from the Minister of Justice about the impact of the ARP on the private rental sector. The Cavan-Monaghan TD has sharply criticised how the EU Temporary Protection Directive has been operated in Ireland and claimed the ARP is 'deeply unfair and caused huge divisions within communities.' 'It gave Ukrainians access to housing supports without a means test that was available to no other person including those on lower wages trying to secure housing,' said Mr Carthy. He claimed the measure was also driving up rents particularly in parts of the country that traditionally had lower rents. Ukrainian refugee family waiting for train in station (sock) Mr Carthy said the numbers in some areas like Donegal were huge with over 2,000 properties being used for the ARP. He added: 'These figures also show that there are significantly more properties than property owners coming under the scheme. There are 21,803 properties being provided by 16,900 owners which clearly means that a significant number of people have more than one property under this scheme. 'It indicates that landlords are availing of this scheme because it financially benefits them while avoiding the normal obligations and responsibilities regarding tenancies,' said Mr Carthy. Asked by the Sinn Féin TD about the impact of the ARP scheme on the private rented sector , the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, Jim O'Callaghan, said his department was awaiting the outcome of an analysis being carried out by the Department of Housing in conjunction with the Residential Tenancies Board. 'There is ongoing engagement by my department with the Department of Housing in respect of the scheme,' said Mr O'Callaghan. Property owners or tenants were originally paid a rate of €400 per month when the scheme was introduced before it was increased to €800 per month in December 2022 and lowered to €600 last month. Accommodation must be provided for at least six months and meet the required standards in relation to structural condition, fire safety, ventilation and various facilities. The ARP scheme has been extended to March 31, 2026 in line with the extension of the EU Temporary Protection Directive Separate figures provided by Mr O'Callaghan earlier this month show that the State had contracts with 670 different commercial properties including hotels, guesthouses, B&Bs and self-catering accommodation at the start of July to provide temporary accommodation to persons fleeing the war in Ukraine in addition to the ARP scheme. Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news from the Irish Mirror direct to your inbox: Sign up here.
Irish Examiner
2 days ago
- Irish Examiner
'It's going to be so traumatic to lose them': Youghal rallies round Ukrainians set to be relocated
With one business owner set to lose a third of his workforce, the eviction of 400 Ukrainians from Youghal, Co Cork, has come as a hammer blow to employers in the East Cork town. With just days to go until their scheduled eviction on July 31, residents of the Quality Hotel in Youghal made one last plea to remain in situ — and to safeguard their livelihoods. Waving handmade signs emblazoned with messages such as 'we don't want to lose our jobs,' dozens gathered at Green Park in Youghal in a last-ditch attempt to highlight their plight. Inna Melnyk, Oleksandryna Hendler, and Alla Rakovych are among the 400 Ukrainian people who have built a life in Youghal, Co Cork, after fleeing the Russian invasion. Picture: Howard Crowdy The gathering was co-ordinated by Fiona Corcoran from Cork charity the Greater Chernobyl Cause who has been supporting the residents over the last couple of months since they were first told they needed to move on. Employers in the town have been equally vocal on how the relocation will impact their businesses. A number of business owners say they will now have to cope with the additional costs involved in recruiting and training replacement staff. Residents were first informed they had to vacate the Quality Hotel six months ago via a letter from the Department of Integration. That announcement caused shockwaves in the seaside town as residents were initially given just two weeks to find new homes. Following a huge local campaign — a groundswell of support for the residents, many of whom had been living in the hotel since shortly after the Russian invasion of their country, the eviction date was subsequently extended to July 31. The reason the residents were given for their eviction was, according to the letter, that: 'The department is consolidating its accommodation portfolio in line with the changing circumstances, which includes fewer people arriving from Ukraine and an increase in the number leaving state-funded accommodation.' Some of the Ukrainian children who face relocation from Youghal along with their families at the recent rally in Green Park co-ordinated by Fiona Corcoran of the Greater Chernobyl Cause. Picture: Howard Crowdy While alternative accommodation facilities will be offered to the residents, these are scattered across different parts of the country, far from friends, schools, and employers. Sylvia Rodriguez, who is the lodge accommodation manager at Fota Island Resort, said she will lose nine of her employees as a result of the relocations. 'I am losing nine very valuable staff members,' she told the Irish Examiner. These are not just any staff. They are brilliant and we couldn't be there without them. "They are important to me and for the operations here. This is summertime, our busiest time so it's terrible to hear they are moving out. This isn't just about the work. These are nine beautiful people. Because everyone is close, their problem becomes our problem.' She said the nine employees are all highly regarded by their colleagues. 'These are people who had to abandon their country as well as their professions. They came here well educated. They have already been here for three years. 'I have three teachers and one woman who owned and managed her own beauty salon back in Ukraine. They took jobs cleaning and had no shame in doing that. All of them had big positions and had to start from zero again. It's going to be so traumatic to lose them.' Ukrainian refugees and their families at a recent rally protesting their impending eviction from the Quality Hotel in Youghal Co Cork. Picture: Howard Crowdy Sam Coakley, owner of Ken-Co Cleaning Services in Youghal, shares her sentiments. 'We have 30 people working here and we are going to be losing 10,' he said. 'All these people are working, living in Youghal, and paying taxes. It's not as if they want to sit at home and claim social welfare. They want to be at work. They are very reliable. There are a number of these people who have been with me for years. It's hard to get staff because they come and go. This is happening at a time when every industry is short staffed.' He believes forcing the Ukrainians to relocate will set the community back. 'Other businesses in Youghal want to grow and employ more people. However, staff are being taken away — leaving employers having to start searching and training again. 'You have a lot of time and money invested in people. "I just hope an agreement can be reached where people can stay. As an employer who has a third of their workforce from the Quality Hotel, this has been really hard to accept. People are being moved to Tralee, Waterford, and Dundalk, among other locations. 'Sadly, wherever people are relocated to, they will probably find themselves in the same position in two years' time when they are moved again. "The reality is that securing accommodation is impossible as people are being priced out of the market. There needs to be a plan in place where the residents can stay because it would be really beneficial to the community.' Twins Svitlana and Tefiana are among the many children who face eviction from the Quality Hotel in Youghal Co Cork next Thursday, July 31. Children will be uprooted from schools and parents will lose their jobs in the locality as a result of the relocation plan. Picture: Howard Crowdy Former Miss Ukraine Alla Rakovych from Odesa was supported by the community in East Cork to pursue her dream of becoming a life coach. She now offers sessions in a private office, thanks to Enterprise Youghal. She has also published her own book, I Believe in You, which is available in a selection of local stores. 'I am a single mum who worked as an accountant for 10 years. I have been here for three years and it's a lovely town. "We want to be able to share our energy and our knowledge with people and help the town grow. My son is 12 years old and loves Bunscoil Mhuire, Youghal. Having to leave will be very destructive for him. Meanwhile, Siobhan Sheehan from Enterprise Youghal said that many residents from the Quality Hotel have done their utmost to contribute to the community. 'Each person is trying their hardest,' she said. 'They have put down roots. They are an asset to both Youghal Community Employment and Youghal Community Services. We have eight people from Ukraine with us and they are working hard both in training and in community activities.' Colin Kelly from Kelly's Cars and Commercial Repairs in Little Island said the relocations will have a detrimental impact on his business. 'I have two Ukrainian people working for me and the only word I could use to describe this relocation is detrimental. It's impossible to get staff now and these guys are brilliant. They have contributed immensely to my business. Fiona Corcoran from the Greater Chernobyl Cause said she will continue lobbying on behalf of the residents. 'A number of people who want to work are going to end up on the live register as a direct result of this relocation,' she said. 'There are also other additional costs that haven't been factored in. 'These include the logistics of relocating as well as items like school uniforms among other costs. 'We also need to consider the health needs of those who are seriously ill who now won't have access to their local GPs and hospital support.'
Irish Examiner
2 days ago
- Irish Examiner
Use of private properties to house Ukrainian refugees up by 17% this year
Concern has been voiced about the impact of a Government scheme for housing refugees from Ukraine on the private rental sector as new figures show the number of private properties being used has increased by 17% since the start of the year. A record number of over 21,800 dwellings are currently being used to accommodate Ukrainian refugees under the Accommodation Recognition Payment (ARP) scheme, according to the latest figures from the Department of Justice. It represents an increase of over 3,100 additional properties being involved in the ARP scheme since January. Owners or tenants of such properties were entitled to claim a monthly payment of €800 for housing Ukrainian refugees who arrived in Ireland under the EU Temporary Protection Directive but the sum has been reduced to €600 per month since June 1. Sinn Féín justice spokesperson Matt Carthy said the 'deeply unfair' scheme 'gave Ukrainians access to housing supports without a means test that was available to no other person including those on lower wages trying to secure housing.' File picture: Liam McBurney/PA A total of 21,803 properties are now being used as part of the ARP scheme to provide homes to almost 39,600 Ukrainian refugees with 16,900 hosts in receipt of monthly payments. The figures show that over €339 million has been paid to date to 26,100 recipients for hosting 56,700 temporary protection beneficiaries since the scheme was launched in July 2022. The figures were provided in response to a parliamentary question by Sinn Féin's justice spokesperson, Matt Carthy. Highest numbers in Dublin, Donegal, and Cork Not surprisingly, the largest number of properties involved in the scheme are located in Dublin with almost 3,300 currently housing refugees from Ukraine. The second highest number is in Donegal where 2,070 private properties are in use followed by Cork (1,611) Mayo (1,425) and Kerry (1,308). Scheme uses 1% of Ireland's housing stock The figures indicate that approximately 1% of the Republic's stock of 2.1m homes is being used to house Ukrainian refugees with varying differences across the country. The proportion ranges from an estimated 2.4% of all dwellings in Donegal to just 0.4% of all homes in Roscommon. Less than 1% of residences in Cork, Dublin, Galway, Kildare, Meath, Kilkenny and Wicklow are involved in the scheme. The number of properties being used to house Ukrainian refugees has risen by at least 10% since the start of the year in all counties with the exception of Kildare and Kilkenny where the increases were at a slower rate. 'Deeply unfair' scheme Mr Carthy criticised how the EU Temporary Protection Directive has been operated in Ireland and claimed the ARP is 'deeply unfair and caused huge divisions within communities". Mr Carthy said: It gave Ukrainians access to housing supports without a means test that was available to no other person including those on lower wages trying to secure housing. He claimed the measure was also driving up rents particularly in parts of the country that traditionally had lower rents. 'These figures also show that there are significantly more properties than property owners coming under the scheme. There are 21,803 properties being provided by 16,900 owners which clearly means that a significant number of people have more than one property under this scheme. Emergency services personnel work to extinguish a fire following a Russian attack in Odesa, Ukraine, this month. Picture: Michael Shtekel/AP 'It indicates that landlords are availing of this scheme because it financially benefits them while avoiding the normal obligations and responsibilities regarding tenancies." Department and RTB analysing scheme Asked by the Sinn Féin TD about the impact of the ARP scheme on the private rented sector, justice minister Jim O'Callaghan said his department is awaiting the outcome of an analysis being carried out by the Department of Housing in conjunction with the Residential Tenancies Board. Property owners or tenants were originally paid a rate of €400 per month when the scheme was introduced before it was increased to €800 per month in December 2022 and lowered to €600 last month. Accommodation must be provided for at least six months and meet the required standards in relation to structural condition, fire safety, ventilation and various facilities. The ARP scheme has been extended to March 31, 2026 in line with the extension of the EU Temporary Protection Directive. Separate figures provided by Mr O'Callaghan earlier this month show that the State had contracts with 670 different commercial properties including hotels, guesthouses, B&Bs and self-catering accommodation at the start of July to provide temporary accommodation to persons fleeing the war in Ukraine in addition to the ARP scheme.
