NEW HOUSES: Pictured at the contract signing of new social houses in the county from front were: Mayor of Kerry, Cllr Niall Kelliher, Edward Dowling and Chief Executive of Kerry County Council, Moira Murrell. Back row: Adam Stack, Martin O'Donoghue, Carolin Liston and Frank Hartnett. Photo: Domnick Walsh

By Sean Moriarty

Rathmore will get 20 new social houses, which are expected to be completed by December, as part of a countywide project announced by Kerry County Council last week.

A total of 88 houses will be built in seven different locations across the county.

The seven contracts, which are worth a combined €17m, will see the construction of social housing in Ardfert, Kenmare, Lixnaw, Rathmore, Ballybunion and Glenbeigh.

The Rathmore development consists of 20 houses in Ait Manach.

Cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council, Cllr Niall Kelleher, a Rathmore resident, welcomed the contract signings and pointed to the quality of social houses provided in Kerry.

“We are fortunate to have quality construction companies in Kerry whose experience and track record in the delivery of housing projects is second to none,” he said. “This has enabled Kerry County Council to quickly progress projects such as these.”

The Cathaoirleach also referenced the new building standards which these houses will be constructed under. “Modern building standards have greatly improved over the past decade, and those living in these new houses will benefit from high energy efficiency standards that will significantly reduce energy consumption.”