‍“I have a vision for this place, to make it a nice and relaxing home” says new CHI Member

 15th September 2022

CHI yesterday  launched 69 new homes in Moínear, a development in Ros Leamhain, Ennis, Co Clare. The Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council, Cllr Tony O’Brien officially opened the estate.

Speaking at the launch Cllr O’Brien said, “As Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council, I am honoured to be here to officially welcome families and individuals to their homes in Moínear, a new Co-operative Housing Ireland housing development.  

Cllr O’Brien continued, “The direct delivery of homes by local authorities, and Approved Housing Bodies such as Co-operative Housing Ireland(CHI), is pivotal in addressing housing need across Ireland. The homes in Moínear are truly affordable, with rents linked to household income, and will provide security for CHI Members. In addition to the 69 homes in Moínear, CHI has helped to deliver 78 much-needed homes in Clare since 2020.”

Moínear is in a residential area within easy reach of from Ennis town centre.  It is near local amenities including a Shopping Centre which is served by a supermarket,chemist, butchers and medical centre. The houses were built using innovative Insulated Concrete Forms or ICF, which is originally a Scandinavian construction technique that is now being widely adapted in Ireland.

Speaking about the estate, Chairperson of CHI, Pearse O’Shiel said, “Moínear as you can see, is a beautiful, A-rated, 69 home development. The houses are Insulated Concrete Forms or ICF. This type of construction affords a better sound test result, greater air tightness, and ultimately warmer homes. It’s great to see such sound homes being delivered using the latest construction techniques. With the current energy crisis, it is key that new homes embrace innovation such as this.”

He concluded, “It is my privilege and pleasure to welcome you all here today – we look forward to working with our new members in Moínear as they settle into their new homes and co-operative community. Thank you.”

Moínear is the home of 69 new families, each of whom will bea Member of the Ralahine Co-operative, allowing people living in the estate to have a meaningful say in how their homes and communities are managed.

Speaking about moving into her new home in Moínear, CHI Member, Amanda Shannon said, “I have a vision for this place, to make it a nice and relaxing home. I’m going to put a desk in here to work at. I’ve already found one that measures, but my first thing to do is create calm in the space. I’m going to paint it a nice clean colour like white or grey, but something with a warm undertone to it instead of a cool one.”

The homes were delivered in partnership with Clare County Council, the Housing Finance Agency, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, the Housing Agency, Ennis based construction companies, Datcha Construction and Glencore Construction.