Speaking at the launch in Limerick, Vice-Chairperson of CHI Enda Egan said, “Despite Covid-19 and the innumerable challenges, Co-operative Housing Ireland delivered 592 new homes in 2021, a record number for the organisation and a 30 per cent increase on the previous year. CHI now manages close to 4,000 homes, supporting nearly 12,000 people. Our ability to adapt to the pandemic is a testament to our organisation’s capacity to deliver quality homes while maintaining an uninterrupted service to Members.”

He continued, “CHI’s growth and delivery in Limerick, and Munster generally, has been a considerable achievement for the Co-operative. At the end of 2022, we will have delivered 318 homes in Limerick over a 24-month period. Across Munster CHI provides homes in all six counties and has successfully increased delivery by 49% over the past three years, providing 200 homes in the region last year alone.”

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Speaking at the launch, Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage Darragh O’Brien, TD said, “Co-operative Housing Ireland and other Approved Housing Bodies are key partners in achieving the Government’s housing strategy, ‘Housing for All’. AHBs are expected to provide about 43% of the 9,000 new-build social homes and almost half of the 1,580 Cost Rental homes due to be completed this year. I highly commend Co-operative Housing Ireland on delivering 592 new homes last year and this hugely impressive development in Baunacloka Heights, Limerick.”

Addressing guests at the launch, Mayor of the City and County of Limerick, Daniel Butler said, “Today is a wonderful day for the 71 new families and the community overall in Baunacloka Heights. Homes such as these are delivered by local authorities and Approved Housing Bodies like Co-operative Housing Ireland and are crucial to relieving the current housing need. The homes provided here are truly affordable with security of tenure.”

Discussing his new home, resident and CHI Member Brendan Meehan says, “We can’t get over the fact that we’re in our forever home. It’s still a dream as such. You’re kind of in ‘settle-in’ mode and the kids are enjoying it at the minute playing out in the back yard and playing with their friends out the front. It’s a massive change to where we were. We still can’t believe it really. We’re building a community and getting to know people, it’s been fantastic.”

Baunacloka Heights was delivered in partnership with Limerick City and Council, the Housing Finance Agency, the Housing Agency, the Department of Housing Local Government and Heritage, and Homeland Group. The development contains 61 three-bed homes and ten two-bed apartments. Each household in Baunacloka heights will be a member of the Ralahine 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.