Ardmore will gain almost 100 homes but will be more needed, a supporter warns

On By Yukito

Less than a year since a public meeting warned that a housing shortage was “killing Ardmore” in Co. Waterford, the latest planning permission granted brings the number of green-lit apartments this year to 97.

A further application for 26 homes is awaiting approval from Waterford City and County Council.

However, a leading housing advocate in the popular Waterford seaside village fears the changes will not bring much relief to the community.

The November meeting heard how young people were leaving Ardmore in search of accommodation, while more than 60% of its properties were holiday homes, which remained empty for much of the year.

Local people formed the Ardmore Grange Housing Study Group (AGHSG) which acquired 1.57 hectares of council land in Farrangarret on the outskirts of the village.

The council then took over management of the site and a tender was awarded for plans for 28 social and affordable homes.

Last July, An Bord Pleanála granted CFS Structures Ltd planning permission for a further 29 apartments nearby.

At this month’s council plenary meeting, councilors voted unanimously to uphold a material breach of the County Waterford Development Plan 2022-2028 and to plan grants to developer Michael Ryan for a 40-apartment development in Duffcarrig, about half a mile from the village centre.

Ryan initially sought approval to build 51 homes, but planning permission was granted for 40 apartments

However, the AGHSG coordinator fears that the new investments are “investment properties” that will not stop the exodus from the village. “People count houses, not houses,” he says.

Housing officer Ivan Grimes told plenary that without accepting the breach, the council would have no option but to refuse planning.

Nevertheless, several councilors had reservations.

Labor councilor Thomas Phelan demanded assurances that the homes would be occupied all year round and not become holiday properties.

Sinn Féin councilor Conor McGuinness called for the legally binding 20% ​​social/affordability rate to be negotiated upwards wherever possible.

Grimes said the council would “negotiate for the best possible agreement,” but any agreement would not be legally binding.

In recent years, Mr Ryan, a well-known stud farm owner, has obtained plans for several hotel-type developments in Dungarvan, but no turf has yet been developed.