A total of 153 new social houses across four different locations were officially opened in Co Clare by Minister for Housing Darragh O'Brien.
The developments at Miltown Malbay, at Tulla and two developments at Ashline and Lifford in Ennis will be mixed-design houses, consisting of one- and two-bedroom apartments, and three- and four-bedroomed houses.
They represent an investment of €40 million and are all built to high specification, with an emphasis on energy efficiency.
The largest development is at Lifford in Ennis consists of 61 housing units and was completed at a cost of €18 million, which also includes significant works and upgrades on the adjacent roadway and the construction of a new roundabout leading to the development.
Phase one of 16 houses is now complete and occupied, with phase two consisting of 24 houses due for completion and occupation in the coming weeks, once site works are finished.
A further 21 houses are to be finished by November.
A total of 40 houses are completed and occupied at the scheme at Ashline in Ennis, which had a budget of €10.5 million.
The development at Cuinne an Bhroic at Doonaun Tulla will consist of 25 houses. It was completed in June.
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The quality and adaptability of the estate has been acknowledged, with it being shortlisted in the National Age Friendly Recognition Awards, due to take place later this month.
There are a further 27 houses at the Baile na mBan development at Ballard road in Miltown Malbay, which is set to be completed this month.
The developments altogether represent a €40 million budget and are being built under the Government's housing for all plan, which runs up to 2030.
Clare County Council says it is set to exceed its target on social housing built under the plan.
Its target for 2022 to 2026 is to deliver 833 units, with the council’s own housing delivery action plan for the same period predicting it will be ahead. This year it believes it will exceed its target by up to 60 units.
Ann Haugh, Director of Social Development with Clare County Council said the planning and delivery of social housing in the county has been ramped up significantly over the past number of years.
She added that the official opening of 153 new homes today across four separate schemes brings to fruition the efforts of all involved at an unprecedented scale of delivery.
Joanne Higgins has been on and off the housing list in Co Clare over the past 18 years.
She said she had been in the private rental sector up until she was offered a house at Cnoc na Scoile.
Ms Higgins said it is a great relief to have the security of this home for her and her family, particularly given the situation in the rental market at the moment.
