Issue between state agencies and developer believed to be among reasons delaying applicants from moving in to Aylesbury, Clonee

A DEVELOPMENT of 66 social housing units for Meath County Council at Aylesbury, Clonee remains empty six months after the homes were allocated.

The successfu applicants are anxiously waiting to move into their long-awaited new homes, but the development has been lying empty for some time.

Cllr Nick Killian said the modern-built 66 apartment block has been lying empty for the past six months.

He sympathised with the families and individuals who are been allocated these apartments.

"They are being deprived of moving into badly needed social housing due to what seems to be an issue between state agencies and the developer.

"Whilst I am not privy to the intimate details of this dispute, it seems to me to be insensitive to the needs of the people we represent who are now waiting six months.

"Someone has to take charge of this difficulty, find a quick solution and oversee the result immediately.

“This is not the fault of Meath Co Council, but the Housing Section are ready to move once the problem is resolved.

"Our housing list is still growing and delivery of new housing units for Meath are now under construction. We still need more land to purchase for additional social housing, we have to keep the momentum of house delivery moving at even a faster pace.

Particularly for single applicants male and female of which a growing number are over the age of 65 years."

A spokesperson for Meath County Council said they were not in a position to close the sale on the development until water and sewerage connections are in place.

"We are liaising with the developer on a regular basis to ensure these units are delivered as quickly as possible."

In a response to Cllr Killian, Uisce Eireann denied that any delays regarding this development "would be as a result of Uisce Éireann".

"Our Design Team has provided extensive support to aid the design of this development, due to complexities with the site location (close proximity to a bridge overloaded with utilities), inclusive of investigative works prior to any offer being issued to the development.

The Development also changed from a Self-Lay to a Standard Connection to satisfy the requirements for a road opening licence."

The developer has been approached for comment.