Kilkenny councillor 'very uncomfortable' after Abbey Quarter proposal
Questions have been raised over an Abbey Quarter housing memorandum, with some councillors saying they lacked sufficient time to scrutinise a proposal involving what one described as the "disposal of a major asset" in Kilkenny
At least two local councillors have raised concerns over the level of scrutinisation to a proposed agreement that could ultimately see residential lands at the Abbey Quarter transferred to the Land Development Agency (LDA), after being asked to support a memorandum of understanding at this week’s plenary meeting of Kilkenny County Council.
The proposed partnership between Kilkenny County Council, the Abbey Quarter and the LDA relates to plans for a c. €150 million residential development of approximately 329 homes across plots five and six of the Abbey Quarter and Sweeney’s Orchard.
Development Director for the Abbey Quarter, Tony Lauhoff, told members that feasibility work had identified capacity for the development.
“We’ve looked at the feasibility and capacity of what can be delivered on-site. So you’re looking at in the order of about 329 residential units between plots five and six and Sweeney’s Orchard. 190 across plots five and six and 139 units on Sweeney’s Orchard,” he said.
Mr Lauhoff said discussions were continuing around the tenure mix for the development.
“We need to get the mix right,” he said, noting that options under consideration include cost rental, affordable purchase, private sale and social housing.
He said approximately 30% of the homes are currently earmarked as a target for social housing, with the remaining 70% to be determined based on project viability and the supports available.
Members heard that the memorandum of understanding would see the three organisations work together through the planning stage for the three residential sites.
If planning permission is secured, Kilkenny County Council and the Abbey Quarter would be obliged to sell the lands required for cost rental and affordable purchase housing to the LDA, while the council would retain ownership of lands designated for social housing.
Explaining the proposed partnership, Mr Lauhoff said the LDA’s remit had recently been extended to include Kilkenny and cited its experience in delivering similar developments.
“They’re also well-placed to learn from previous mistakes,” he said, whilst stressing that no agreement had yet been signed.
“We haven’t signed up to any agreements yet. We are in discussions. This is what we are presenting to you with a view to us coming to an agreement with them in the coming weeks,” he said.
Head of Finance Martin Prendiville told members that the extent of the land that may eventually be transferred had yet to be determined.
“We don't know the extent of the lands in Sweeney’s Orchard that will need to be sold to the LDA until we go through the planning process in the coming months,” he said.
As discussion concluded, Cathaoirleach Joe Malone said that “time is ticking away” following an earlier decision that the meeting would finish at 5pm.
He said he was seeking a proposer and seconder for the memorandum of understanding and indicated that a site visit to the Abbey Quarter would be arranged later this year. Cllr Andrew McGuinness proposed the motion, which was seconded by another member.
Before the meeting moved on, Cllr David Fitzgerald raised a point of order, saying that while he understood the need to progress the agenda, members should have the opportunity to ask questions on a proposal involving what he described as “the disposal of a major asset” by Kilkenny County Council.
“I totally concur with your view that we need a visit, but we should have the opportunity to ask questions,” he said.
Discussion later returned to the issue when Cllr Seán Ó hArgáin also expressed concern over the manner in which the item had been dealt with.
“In relation to the order of business, I have to concur with councillor Fitzgerald,” he said.
“I want to put on the record that I am very uncomfortable with a major decision of the nature of the last one being took being taken. Mr Prendiville asked to take questions on it and I think we shouldn’t be taking decisions of this magnitude without thorough examination by the members.”
Cathaoirleach Malone again referred to plans for a future site visit before proceeding with the remainder of the meeting’s agenda.