Departmental approval has been granted for the construction of 18 new social homes in Ardmore, marking a significant step forward for housing in the west Waterford village.

The approval means the tender for the development at Farrangarret has now been signed off by the Department, allowing the project to move to the next stage.

Welcoming the news, Fianna Fáil Councillor Tom Cronin described it as a major boost for the local community, saying the homes will provide much-needed accommodation for families struggling to secure housing in the area.

He said many people are currently living in overcrowded homes, mobile homes, or are unable to move out of the family home due to the shortage of housing.

Councillor Cronin said the development will allow more people to remain in their own community, close to family and support networks, while also helping to sustain local schools, clubs and businesses.

He acknowledged that the project has taken longer than hoped to reach this stage but said the focus is now on getting construction underway as quickly as possible.

The Dungarvan-Lismore councillor also revealed that discussions are continuing on an affordable housing development at the same site in Fountain Garret, with the local authority awaiting further approval from the Department.

In addition, plans are progressing for a separate development of eight further homes on another site in Ardmore, which could be delivered as either social or affordable housing depending on local demand.

Councillor Cronin said the approval represents positive news for Ardmore and expressed hope that work on the 18-home development will begin in the near future.

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