EUR1.8M Approved For Voluntary Housing Project In Clare

Minister of State at the Department of Communications, Energy & Natural Resources Tony Killeen T.D., today announced that funding of EUR1,853,213 has been allocated for a voluntary housing project at Tullyvarraga Hill, Shannon, County Clare.

Minister Killeen said, "The funding allocation will allow for the provision of ten units of accommodation under the Department of the Environment's Capital Loan and Subsidy Scheme for voluntary housing projects. The units will be provided by Respond! in cooperation with Clare County Council. It is anticipated that the project will accommodate households from local authority housing list on completion."

"Respond, as Ireland's largest Housing Association, has a lengthy and commendable track record in providing high quality, low cost housing. It has been at the forefront in Ireland of providing such accommodation units under a variety of governmental and private schemes for over 20 years. The Tullyvarraga Hill project is an example of the Association's plan to develop vibrant and socially integrated communities in County Clare and across Ireland", the Minister added.

Respond! was established in 1982, from a Franciscan ethos, as a Company limited by guarantee with charity status and approved in 1984 by the Department of the Environment as a Housing Association.

The Association full time staff of 100 includes 10 in-house architects, 12 architectural technicians, an engineer, three accountants and assistants, one legal secretary, 3 regional managers, 3 production managers, 3 acquisition officers, six clerks-of-works, several estate managers, education, assessment, administrative and research and development personnel. Respond! is also supported by a compliment of volunteer tenant managers and community workers numbering over 500.

Respond! has constructed approximately 90 housing estates, providing accommodation for over 3,000 families. There are a further 628 houses under construction currently.

- ENDS -

Note to Editors:
Minister Tony Killeen (087-2525304) is available for interview and further comment. Alternatively please contact Mark Dunphy of Dunphy Public Relations on 086-8534900 or media@dunphypr.com

Mark Dunphy
Dunphy Public Relations
Clonboula,
Connolly,
Ennis,
County Clare
IRELAND
www.dunphypr.com
media@dunphypr.com
00353-868534900 (Mobile)
00353-656839692 (Fax)