67 Kerry families now have a ‘roof over their heads’ as new social houses officially opened

Riverside, a new social-rented development in Kerry, represents first-time housing delivery for Focus Housing Association in Kerry, continued delivery for Co-operative Housing Ireland, and the inaugural partnership between the two Approved Housing Bodies (AHB).

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Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien, TD, CIIr Jim Finucane, Cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council, and members of Castleisland Corca Dhuibhne Municipal District were on hand to officially open the development this week.

“Riverside, and its blossoming community, are a testament to what co-operation can achieve. Kerry County Council is proud to have supported CHI and Focus Housing Association in delivering these high quality, a-rated homes to help meet housing needs. These 67 homes represent one of the largest developments of social and affordable housing delivered in Kerry in 2024 thus far,” said Mayor of Kerry, Cllr Jim Finucane.

The homes are being provided in collaboration between two Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs) Co-operative Housing Ireland (CHI) and Focus Housing Association and its sister organisation Focus Ireland.

CEO of Focus Housing Association and Focus Ireland Pat Dennigan, said “The 67 homes delivered here today means that 67 more families and individuals are moving off Kerry’s housing waiting list and will now have the most basic and fundamental need of their own roof over their head fulfilled, including some coming straight from homeless emergency accommodation and family hubs.

Mr. Dennigan added, “I spoke to a mother today who has just moved into her new home in this fabulous development with her family and it is great to see her so happy. She told me that seeing her teenage daughter have a nice place to study for her Leaving Cert and a lovely home for her other daughter to return to from her studies away in Templemore Garda Training College, was the best thing that could have happened for her family, and she is incredibly proud of what she has achieved.”

Finally, proud Kerry woman Sr. Stanislaus Kennedy, Founder & Life President of Focus Ireland, speaking on the occasion of the launch said: “This development and partnership work between Co-operative Housing Ireland and Focus Housing Association is very special to me as it is helping people from my own native county, as well as helping to meet the growing housing challenges in rural areas needed to support more vulnerable people.

"Next year sees Focus Ireland established 40 years (1985) and sadly our work is needed now more than ever as there are record numbers of homeless and so many at risk. We will continue our work in partnership to help move towards a fairer housing system that works for everyone and ensure that everyone’s needs are met in the community.”

Riverside comprises of 31 homes delivered by Focus Housing Association and 36 homes by Co-operative Housing Ireland. The homes were built and developed by Donald Lynch KPH Construction and designed by Meitheal Architects. Riverside was delivered with the support of Kerry County Council, the Department of Housing, and Local Government and Heritage, the Housing Finance Agency, and the Housing Agency.