35 houses earmarked for Affordable Housing Scheme in Kilkenny estate

Thirty five houses in a new housing estate in Kilkenny City will be available to purchase under Kilkenny County Council’s Affordable Housing Scheme.

The houses are located in Nyne Park, a private housing estate by Cairns Home which is being developed on the outskirts of Kilkenny City. The three-bedroomed properties will be available in May and September and applications will be via an online portal.

At a recent meeting of the Housing Strategic Policy Committee a presentation was made to members on the scheme. Under the scheme homes are made available at a reduced price for eligible applicants in return for Kilkenny County Council taking an equity share in the affordable home.

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Senior Executive Officer with Kilkenny County Council, Michael Leahy said that the scheme is to assist people on low to modest incomes to get onto the property ladder. The minimum equity share is 5% but the legislation allows for a share of up to 49% and the average share is approximately 25%.

“The purchaser can buy back the share at any time of his choosing but there is no obligation to do so,” added Mr Leahy.

The scheme is aimed at first time buyers, Fresh Start applicants and people requiring a larger property. The houses are offered by the local authority through a scheme of priority. Thirty percent of the allocated houses will be set aside for people who have been resident in Kilkenny for the past five years.

A number of houses will also be available under the scheme in the Cluain Glasan housing estate on the Granges Road later this year.

Director of Services, Mary Mulholland said that the reality is to be eligible for these schemes a household would have to have an income of between €53,000 and €75,000. Ms Mulholland also pointed out to members that people earning up to €36,000 can be deemed eligible for social housing.

“The gap for households earning between €36,000 and €53,000 is of concern to us,” she said.

Councillor Eugene McGuinness said that he is aware of people who will never be eligible for the scheme.

“I keep on looking at people who will never afford these schemes and will never own their own homes,” he said.

For more contact affordablehousing@kilkenny
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