7th July 2022

CHI launched Graigue na hAbhainn, a development of 77 homes in Graiguecullen, County Laois on 7th July 2022. Cathaoirleach of Laois County Council, Thomasina Connell, and Cathaoirleach of Carlow County Council, Brian O’Donoghue, opened the state.

Speaking about the launch, Chairperson of CHI Pearse O’Shiel said, “CHI’s delivery in Leinster has been a considerable achievement for the Co-operative. We delivered 386 homes in Leinster during 2021, accounting for almost 65 per cent of the organisation’s output that year. 139 of these were in Carlow and Laois.”

Mr O’Shiel continued, “Overall, CHI provides 336 homes in Laois and Carlow. CHI’s response to Carlow County Council’s housing need has been our largest provision of homes to any local authority in Leinster outside of Dublin. This level of delivery would not be possible without the support and co-operation of the local authorities in those respective counties.”

Addressing CHI Members and attendees at the launch, Cathaoirleach of Laois County Council,Thomasina Connell, said, “It is an honour to be here at the launch of CHI’s new housing development. It is a tribute to CHI, and the builder, BHA Construction, impacted by Covid-19 to deliver much needed housing for people in Laois and Carlow. The direct delivery of homes by local authorities, and Approved Housing Bodies like CHI, is crucial to providing a bright future for people and families.”

Speaking at the launch, Cathaoirleach of Carlow County Council, Brian O’Donoghue, said, “I’m delighted to officially welcome families to their homes in Graigue na hAbhainn.It’s been great to meet members and to learn of the Members Association that has been established here, where new residents are banding together to address collective needs.”

Graigue na hAbhainn was delivered in partnership with Carlow and Laois local authorities, the Housing Finance Agency, the Housing Agency and the Department of Housing Local Government and Heritage, and the estate was built by BHA Construction. The development contains 77 two and three -bed houses comprising of mid-terrace and semi-detached homes. Each household in Graigue na hAbhainn will be a member of the South Leinster Housing Co-operative.

CHI is a leading Approved Housing Body working with Local Authorities and others to meet the housing needs of low-income households on social housing waiting lists.

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