Offaly council to 'liaise' on potential purchase of units

Offaly County Council has said it is liaise with Westmeath County Council in relation to any proposal to acquire units within the Riverview complex in Kilbeggan, in which a large number of tenants from Offaly are in receipt of Housing Assistance Payments (HAP).

In recent week, some 30 residences have received eviction notices.

The owner of the complex, the Remcoll Group, announced last month that it planned to sell 77 housing units in the estate.

Those who have received notices to quit at Riverview so far are those in receipt of the Housing Assistance Payment through the local authorities in Westmeath and Offaly.

The remaining tenants are mostly on long-term social housing leases with Westmeath County Council (WCC) or the Fr Peter McVerry Trust.

In a statement released earlier this month, WCC it is currently engaging with an approved housing body to support an acquisition of some of the homes at Riverview.

Offaly County Council today said that it was aware that a number of tenants at the complex are in receipt of Intercounty Housing Assistance Payments.

"The Council has been in contact with the owners of Riverview and is liaising with Westmeath County Council. Westmeath County Council have advised that they are supportive of the acquisition of part of the complex by an Approved Housing Body (AHB)," the statement said.

"Offaly County Council will continue to liaise with qualifying households over the coming months to provide support to find alternative accommodation, where required. Offaly County Council will also continue to liaise with Westmeath County Council in relation to any proposed acquisition of units within the complex."