Lis Na Dara, Carrick Road, Dundalk.

Still trying to get on the property ladder?  Struggling to pay rent for a property you’ll never own? Is the credit crunch affecting your chances of getting an adequate mortgage? 

Well, if you’re a single income household earning less than €58,000 in the preceding tax year or a couple whose combined annual income is less than €75,000 then Dundalk Town Council want to hear from you.

The Council has 20 affordable homes of extremely high quality coming on-stream in the next few weeks as part of its commitment to social and affordable housing.  The properties in the Lis na Dara development at Carrick Rd, Dundalk include three-bedroom houses, three-bedroom duplex and three-bedroom apartments. 

Along with the benefits of high quality kitchens, 10 year HomeBond structural guarantees and beautifully finished properties - the best part is the price. Dundalk Town Council is offering three-bedroom houses for €220,000 approx – that’s a considerable saving on the average asking price for a similar property in the County Louth1.

Lis na Dara occupies one of Dundalk’s finest sites – close to the town, on a gentle slope with the Cooley Mountains on the horizon.  The development itself is peppered with open green spaces, expertly landscaped. 

Applicants will need to either arrange their own mortgage with a private lender or avail of a local authority loan. All applicants must also be able to prove that no more than 35% of their net income (earnings after tax) will go on mortgage/local authority loan repayments.

Inviting applicants to come forward, Senior Executive Officer with Dundalk Town Council, David Storey said: “With challenging times ahead for all, this is an ideal opportunity to get on the property ladder.  The 20 affordable homes available through Dundalk Town Council are of the highest quality and we’re pleased to be offering them at such attractive prices.

“There’s been confusion in the past about eligibility requirements for the affordable housing list and we are happy to take this opportunity to clarify the criteria. Indeed, many may be surprised with just how accessible the scheme is.  Our housing personnel here in Dundalk Town Hall are also on hand to help with any queries.”

The Affordable Housing Scheme was introduced under the 2003 ‘Sustaining Progress’ social partnership agreement.  The latest agreement, ‘Towards 2016’, has set out a delivery target of 17,000 affordable homes nationally between 2007 and 2009.

Although the affordable housing project is primarily aimed at first time buyers, exceptions can be made for applicants in certain circumstances, such as those legally separated or divorced, who may have previously owned a property. Terms and conditions apply. 

For more information and/or application forms you can contact Dundalk Town Council Housing Section on 042 933 2276 or see www.louthcoco.ie/housing