Official Opening of Cúirt na hAbhann

Oaklee Housing Trust and Oaklee Housing Association recently celebrated the Official Opening of Cúirt na hAbhann, a landmark event which hosted a joint opening by Ministers from The Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. Minister for Housing and Local Services Mr. Michael Finneran and Minister for Social Development Ms. Margaret Ritchie jointly opened the scheme. This unique event celebrated the spirit of co-operation between the respective government departments as well as the partnership between Oaklee Housing Association and the Oaklee Housing Trust.

The new development named Cúirt na hAbhann, Patrick Tierney Street was completed on schedule by Glasgiven Contracts Ltd. and handed over to Oaklee Housing Trust on 3rd September 2009. Cúirt na hAbann comprises 45 units in total with a community centre facility constructed on a green field site just minutes from Ardee Town Centre in a peaceful residential area.

Individual houses range in size from one bedroom apartments to two-storey semi detached three bedroom homes. The mixed tenure scheme includes rented accommodation which will be owned and managed by Oaklee Housing Trust, along with six affordable homes and three services sites which were being developed in conjunction with Louth County Council.

Environmental sustainability was an important design consideration and environmentally friendly and sustainable technology has been used throughout the scheme. The environmental benefit of the scheme has been recognised by Sustainable Energy Ireland which contributed €270,000 under its "House of Tomorrow" programme towards the sustainable design and technology features incorporated in the scheme. These features include high standards of insulation, energy efficient glazing, high efficiency condensing gas boilers, mechanical ventilation heat recovery, zoned heating control and solar hot water heating. The resulting energy and emissions reductions will give residents affordable high standards of comfort as well as helping to "future proof" against energy price rises.

Minister Finneran said: "I am delighted to see that this development has gone beyond the requirements of the regulations with solar panels on south facing roofs and heat recovery systems. I would like to recognise the valuable contribution, both in terms of the technical advice and the funding provided, of Sustainable Energy Ireland in the delivery of this estate."

The Trust’s total investment for Cúirt na hAbhann is €7, 759, 393, most of which was funded by the Department of the Environment, Housing & Local Government with an additional €292, 500 provided under the terms of the Lottery Funds Grant Scheme for the provision of the communal facilities.

This is the first development by the Trust in County Louth and will be a major asset to the area in delivering affordable housing.

Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie said: "This is great news for the people in Ardee. I have seen for myself the difference that housing can make to peoples lives and that is why I am more resolved than ever to deliver more of the same in future."

Chief Executive Ian Elliott said: "Oaklee as a Group are committed to delivering affordable housing throughout Ireland and looking forward to celebrating many more joint ministerial events for future scheme developments. The issues affecting social housing are the similar and the spirit of co-operation benefits those most in need"