Two housing projects in Roscommon and Ballinasloe have been shortlisted for the annual Community Housing Awards.
The awards are run by the Irish Council for Social Housing, and aim to showcase innovative and sustainable social housing projects being delivered to communities across the country.
A development of 7 houses at the Cluain Fraoigh Estate in Roscommon by the local council is one of those nominated.
The houses were built on a gently sloping west facing site to the rear of the established houses. with the challenge to develop a distinct neighbourhood that would still fit in with the existing estate.
The L- shaped layout promotes cross ventilation allowing more sunlight from the south facing orientation, and dual aspect windows allowing natural light all day.
The seven houses were built in a linear design to get maximum public space for everyone, and residents car parking is also kept close to the entrance, again maximising space for the general community to use.
In Ballinasloe the Baile an Ri scheme is in a convenient location with easy pedestrian access to the town centre and public transport.
The development has been delivered by the housing agency Clann and aims at allowing residents to age in place and stay living in their own community as long as possible.
Residents are supported by a dedicated Scheme Manager and Clann's Out of Hours emergency call system.
There's also access to raised planters at the houses for people who want to plant vegetables and flowers to promote a sense of well being.
Conor Fallon who's Acting Senior Executive Engineer in the Housing Department at Roscommon COuncil says they're delighted to be nominated for the award.
He spoke to Mary Claire Grealy about the key features of the development.
