Page 89 - Our Wexford

local authority offices, public
Dublin would be €1.5 million to swimming pool, fire station, a
€2 million.
“I’m not concerned about supply,” new courthouse and new Garda
Colum says. “The number of There are many elements making station headquarters. In addition
planning permissions granted has Wexford a great place to live. One there is an attractive mix of large
increased significantly; nationally is its easy accessibility, with its and small shops as well as the new
this figure is up 41pc on the same proximity to Rosslare Europort National Opera House and a range
quarter last year. There are sectors of and Cork and Waterford Airports, of heritage sites in and close to the
the market that are under pressure rail and bus services to and from town.
from a supply point of view, like Dublin, and also the roads which Main Street, north and south, has
the three-bedroom starter homes, are getting better all the time both retained its centuries-old character
where there’s a lack of supply of new within the county but also to the and the town managed to resist the
build.” But that reflects the general capital. temptation pursued by so many
lack of activity in the building “We’re an hour and a half’s other places nationwide of allowing
sector in recent years across Ireland, mass shopping-centre development
something that’s set to change in the drive from Dublin and more on the outskirts. Instead, the retail
improvements are on the way with
near future. “Developers and house heart of Wexford remains in its
builders are now back in the market. both the New Ross and Enniscorthy centre.
bypasses almost complete. We’re
Kehoe & Assoc. are planning the
launches of new housing for 2018 to adjacent to the coastline with “Wexford town is a perfect sized
miles of sandy beaches but it’s not
meet this demand in the market.” town, with a population in the town
all about the scenery! Location is and its environs of about 25,000,”
The number of residential always one of the key components Colum adds. “Take a short drive or
properties sold in County Wexford to determine property values and hop on your bike and you can be
in the first half of 2017 was 760, that is our unique selling point.” out in Curracloe or Rosslare strand
up from 681 for the same period Meanwhile, Wexford town boasts and the fishing village of Kilmore
the previous year, so activity in the superb amenities and facilities, with Quay. It represents the best of both
market is on the increase. There is a its five highly-regarded secondary worlds - not city living but not
fantastic choice of homes available schools, choice of primary schools, rural living either. All in all, it’s a
to a potential buyer. For €350,000 third level at IT Carlow Wexford superb place to live, work and raise
to €400,000 there are exceptional Campus, new facilities such as children.”
detached homes, the equivalent in

HOUSING 89