Concerns Raised Over Affordable Housing Scheme In Wicklow Town

A local councillor has called on Wicklow County Council to review how they operate affordable housing schemes in the county.

A total of 36 affordable purchase homes are to be built at Murrough View on the Greenhill Road in Wicklow Town, under the Affordable Housing Fund.

The proposed scheme includes 12 two-bed houses and 24 three-bed houses on a 1.5 hectares site for a total of 36 houses, was initially designed as a social housing scheme, and is at an advanced stage of construction.

The development was also considered suitable for the adoption of a scheme of letting priorities for affordable dwelling purchase arrangements.

The initial plan was for 45 units but that was scaled back to 36.

The affordable homes and are due to be completed in March 2023.

The application process opened yesterday morning on a first come, first serve basis.

Councillor Joe Behan says the application process should prioritise those who already live in the county.

He says this should form part of a wider discussion on how to providing housing in the county.