NEWS
Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 21 November, 2014
15
Government’s social housing fund welcomed
Declan O’Keeffe, Ardsallagh, Youghal, pictured with Professor Brian Norton, President DIT, after his recent graduation with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Law from DIT.
THE recent announcement that the government will have funding to go towards social housing was welcomed by the Comeragh District Council. Cllr. Declan Clune raised the issue, asking if the Council would be getting any funding in its budget for social housing. Cllr. John O’Leary welcomed the government initiative for finance to fund development of social housing. He said a recent conference on housing which was organised for Councillors was helpful, but he had a concern that the money to be allocated by the government may be small in relation to demand for social housing. “How can we be sure that we’ll get a fair share of the cake?” he asked. Cllr. Mary Butler said that a majority of representations to her from the public are in relation to housing. She said people might think that conferences are a waste of money, but she found the housing conference was very helpful. “I learned a lot at the housing conference. It was a
fantastic conference,” she added. Joe O’Sullivan, housing section of Waterford Council, said there are no details yet of what allocation the Council will get from the government in relation to social housing development. He said that while there are potential sites around Waterford County and City for social housing developments, he said they are also open to suggestions from Councillors. Cllr. Liam Brazil queried how many people are on the housing list in Kilmacthomas. He said that it has been 18 years since Kilmacthomas received any social housing and said the town needs new houses. Mr. O’Sullivan said there are around 30 people on the list and an age profile breakdown of that housing list figure shows that there are ten people aged 20 to 29; eight people are aged 30 to 39; nine people are aged 40 to 49; and four people are aged 50 and over. Mr. O’Sullivan said the average time on the waiting list is 1.8 years.
Special speed limits of 30km/h to be considered for housing estates WATERFORD Council is being asked to consider special speed limits of 30 km/h in housing estates. At the recent meeting of Comeragh District Council, Pat McCarthy, Senior Executive Engineer, told Councillors that a circular issued by the Department of Transport is seeking Local Authorities to create special byelaws which will reduce speed limits
in housing estates to 30 km/h. He said that such special bye-laws will have to go on public display for submissions and then be implemented by the Council in 2015. Cathaoirleach of Comeragh District Council, Cllr. Michael J. O’Ryan said if every housing estate in the county and city has special signage and ramps installed, the scheme will end up costing more than Irish Water.
However, Mr. McCarthy pointed out that initially, the special byelaws and 30 km/h signage is for housing estates where there is a speeding issue. He also pointed out that the scheme will be funded by the Department through the ‘low cost scheme’. Mr. McCarthy said the special signage and bye-laws are intended only for housing estates, where
Christmas at Lismore Castle RELAX and enjoy an afternoon at the historical Lismore Castle with a Christmas feel on Sunday, 7th December. Discover the history of Lismore Castle in the Pugin Room kindly presented by the Duke of Devonshire's butler and find out about famous people and historical events which are connected to the castle up to the present day. You will enjoy a mulled
wine reception and be treated to festive delights which will be served in front of a glowing fire. Feel the Christmas spirit with music from Amy and Niamh. A visit to the Lismore Heritage Centre is included in the ticket price in which you can enjoy an award winning multi-lingual audio presentation of Lismore by Niall Tobin. To add to the Christmas feel, the Lismore Farmers
Christmas market will be in the Castle Avenue, where you can browse around their stalls. Make it an afternoon to remember with this unique event, all in aid of Lismore A.F.C. Dressing Rooms. Your support will help achieve our goal. Tickets can be purchased at Lismore Heritage Centre Telephone 058-54975 or www.discoverlismore.com Family tickets also available.
there is a green area where children play. He said the scheme will be at the sole discretion of the Local Authority. As part of the scheme, new signage will be used, which will be a combination of a yellow ‘children at play’ sign with a 30 km/h speed limit at the entrance to the housing estate. Councillors were asked to submit details of where they feel such signs and bye-laws are needed.
Parking at Mass times causing problems for farmers PARKING at mass times is causing a problem for passing traffic at Fourmilewater Church. The recent meeting of Comeragh District Council was told by Cathaoirleach, Cllr. Michael J. O’Ryan that parishioners were using both sides of the road for parking and as a result were causing difficulty for farm machinery and milk lorries trying to pass during Mass times. Area Engineer, Eamon Lonergan said the Council would examine the issue.
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