Homes in Kilkenny to receive grant funding

The Housing Finance Agency (HFA) has announced funding of €250,000 to support Approved Housing Bodies and Local Authorities in the delivery of community-enhancing initiatives and facilities.

At four Oaklee housing schemes in Kilkenny, Laois, Offaly and Westmeath residents will benefit from environmental and biodiversity initiatives such as wildflower meadows, tree planting, bug hotels, hedgehog sanctuaries and fruit and vegetable growing schemes.

Locally, Oaklee had 75 properties in Kilkenny City and County in 2022.

The HFA, which provides financing to support the delivery of social and affordable housing, awards community project funding to customers each year through its Social Investment Fund. The aim of the fund is to support initiatives that will complement the communities in which HFA-financed homes are built.

Kilkenny's inclusion was among 13 initiatives across 11 different counties chosen for funding.

Sharon Cosgrove, CEO of Oaklee Housing, said: "Oaklee is delighted to receive this funding award of €24,000 from the Social Investment Fund.

"This investment will enable underused waste ground at our developments across four counties to be transformed into flourishing, biodiverse communal space, designed and developed by the community in those neighbourhoods."