A PLAN to convert a near derelict bungalow to provide accommodation for the homeless in Killarney, first sanctioned by the Department of the Environment in 2016, will not now be completed until 2020, it has emerged.
The proposal is to demolish the Armagh House property on Park Road to provide a new purpose-built facility on the site. The property was purchased by charity housing body Clúid with the support of Kerry County Council and the Department of the Environment.
The roadside building, vacant for over 10 years and currently boarded up, is located on the outskirts of the town centre, immediately adjacent to McDonald’s Restaurant and the Friary Downs housing development and close to the landmark railway bridge.
In December 2016, Cllr Donal Grady, a long-time champion of the homeless, called for the house to be opened up for those without a home of their own.
Council management said at the time that the proposal was to demolish the existing building and to construct a new, purpose-built building on site to provide supported accommodation for persons who are homeless.
“The plan has been sanctioned by the Department of the Environment and Kerry County Council are in discussions with Clúid Housing Association to finalise the design and apply for planning for the new development,” a spokesperson said 21 months ago.
It has now emerged that the estimated completion date for the project is February 2020 and development work will not get underway until next January. The council and Clúid plans to provide six one-bedroom units in the house.
Clúid is a not-for-profit charity providing affordable, high quality homes to people in housing need.
© KillarneyToday.com: Reaching tens of thousands of people every day. To advertise call 087-2229761 or email news@killarneytoday.com
