Middle in Leitrim being squeezed - Reynolds-Flynn

Cllr Ita Reynolds-Flynn asked that the Affordable Housing Scheme be brought to Leitrim and asked if a development in Ballinamore could be utilised. 

The Local Authority Affordable Purchase Scheme helps people on moderate incomes to buy new homes at reduced prices.

"I'd like to see it possibly in Ballinamore as a pilot scheme," Ms Reynolds-Flynn told the monthly Ballinamore municipal district meeting.

She noted that Ballinamore has provided direct provision accommodation and social housing but that "from talking to people on the ground, it's the middle income that is squeezed."

Referring to the Cannaboe Line, she asked if the council could "bring it into an affordable scheme."

She said, "I think there are 35 houses there. I have people coming to me all the time and saying that they can't buy anywhere."

She continued that the Affordable Housing Scheme is currently not available in Leitrim whatsoever and again stressed that middle income families are being squeezed and there is "no housing available for them."

It was revealed at the meeting that expressions of interest are currently being sought for the provision of affordable housing in the county with the council proposing to deliver an Affordable Housing Scheme in various locations throughout Leitrim.

Proposals are also invited for the supply of existing new build properties to meet the affordable housing need.

The Council is inviting proposals from landowners, developers and contractors for the supply of residentially zoned development land for the delivery of affordable housing in County Leitrim.

An Expression of Interest Form is available from the Housing Capital Office, Leitrim County Council by emailing cphilpott@leitrimcoco.ie or alternatively by downloading the form from www.leitrimcoco.ie from the e-tenders website.

Cllr Reynolds-Flynn was advised that the council have been in contact with the developer of Cannaboe Line about turnkey projects and Part Vs. 

"We can have a conversation with him around affordable housing too," she was informed.

The response continued that "once we get the full picture of what the need is and the position of developers out there, we'll be better positioned then to respond to your request."