MILLIONS of euro are to be spent in Laytown as Alverno Court and Alverno Heights are refurbished – that is, if residents agree to the remedial works plans as outlined to East Meath councillors at this week's Area Meeting.

Efforts to upgrade and renovate the estates failed four years ago as a number of residents objected to the regeneration project. Hopes are that residents will fully support the modernisation of the estates which now appear dated and unkempt.

' We want to bring these houses to a higher standard under Meath County Council's regeneration plan, making them more modern and energy efficient,' explained Brendan McGrath, Director of Housing Meath County Council. ' We have already completed works in Kells and are about to begin in Navan. Alverno could be upgraded in early 2011. In fact, we will run a bus over to Headford in Kells so Laytown residents can inspect the work and speak to residents there.'

Mr McGrath explained that the requirements listed five years ago are still valid, with work done on replacing windows and doors only in the interim. The proposed regeneration work would include a new-look attractive entrance to Alverno Court, immediately creating a good first impression on arrival.

Work will be carried out free of charge on houses owned by Meath County Council, with exterior work on facias, soffits, etc, continuing across privately owned homes also. Grant aid up to 50% is available to tenant purchasers to cover the cost of replacing windows and doors, as well as kitchens and bathrooms.

'This work will seriously increase the value of all properties as the overall appearance of the estates will improve, with new street lighting, paths, water, sewage, and environmental works,' explained Joe Fahey, Senior Engineer Housing. 'We want the maximum effect for cost input.'

As homes are being upgraded, families would be rehoused locally, with Meath County Council paying for furniture removal and storage if needed.

' We are beginning a process of consultation with Alverno residents and will address all concerns raised. We will itemise requirements with each individual and attend to their needs,' explained Mr Fahey.

The two stage process will begin with Alverno Court, most of which are in Meath County Council ownership, with Alverno Heights in Phase 2. It is proposed to demolish six of the 40 houses in Alverno Court, refurbish the remaining 34 to a C1 or better energy rating, and construct seven new single storey 2-bed houses.

A major concern some years ago was that Meath County Council would parachute in large families with young children into Alverno, but officials have said that this will not happen as they will only construct new 2-bed houses in keeping with the current resident profile.

The current entrance is unattractive and gives the wrong impression, open spaces are unsupervised and contribute to antisocial behaviour, youngsters have gained unauthorised access to the estate across a wall and regularly damage fencing as a result. Parking would be improved, making access easier and closer to houses, a nd infill building would minimise isolated open spaces.

The plans were warmly welcomed by councillors, with Cllr Anne Dillon Gallagher saying she believes that the vast majority of residents in Alverno Heights and Court want their houses upgraded.

Cllr Jimmy Cudden felt that these works could have been completed by now if not rejected the last time round and that residents would not be living in poor conditions today.

Cllr Eoin Holmes suggested that a clear statement of benefits to residents be outlined, showing how their lives would be improved by the regeneration project, saying that the Housing Dept demonstrates a very clear strategy.

East Meath Chairperson Cllr Sirena Campbell, who herself was born in Alverno Heights, hopes that the residents will see the benefits and value of this excellent proposal.

- Caroline KAVANAGH