‘A chance to be happy' – Meath mother gets keys to new home after eight years on housing list
April Martin, a 35-year-old new mother, had spent almost a decade on the social housing waiting list before receiving the keys to her new home in Farganstown three weeks ago. Cradling her four-month-old son, Rico, she described the moment as a 'chance to be happy'
'It's amazing having a place to call home; you're not worried about a landlord saying you need to move out,' she said.
Before getting her permanent home, Ms Martin was living in a rented accommodation.
She said: 'The place we were living before was really bad. My baby was at the hospital three times in two weeks for Bronchiolitis. The first night we moved in here, it all stopped. His health has improved a 100pc.'
Ms Martin added: 'He's only four months old so it was heartbreaking seeing him not being able to breathe.'
In Meath, 1260 Inspections were carried out on rented properties for Q1 2025. Of this figure, 401 were first inspections, only 14 properties passed after their first inspection.
The new mother who is originally from Dublin and has been living in Meath since she was on the waiting list said Farganstown is a 'beautiful place to live'.
'The neighbours are really nice and helpful, there is already a sense of community.'
Ms Martin's new residence is one of 231 new homes across three developments in Navan (Farganstown), Clonee (Aylesbury), and Ashbourne (Millrace). The projects were formally opened by Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne TD, during events on Friday last.
'Beyond the numbers and delivery figures, it's crucial to remember the real impact: a family or individual whose life will be greatly enhanced by having a long-term, secure, and affordable home in a thriving community,' Minister Browne said.
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'These 231 new homes aren't just roofs over heads; they offer peace of mind and long-term security.'
The Farganstown site in Navan, where Ms Martin and Rico now live, features 84 new homes and cost over €25.8 million. The development includes a mix of one- to four-bedroom units and was completed in February 2025. It includes landscaped open space, car and bicycle parking, and communal facilities.
Cathaoirleach of Meath County Council, Cllr Sharon Tolan, welcomed the new developments and said: 'Late last year, when we launched Meath County Council's Corporate Plan, I emphasised the Council's unwavering commitment to excellence in every priority, strategy and vision we set out. Providing high-quality homes to people was a key priority in that plan.
'I am thrilled to welcome the completion of 231 beautiful new homes in three rapidly growing areas within our county, especially considering the current national housing challenges.'
Meanwhile Chief Executive of Meath County Council Kieran Kehoe praised the council's achievement in exceeding national social housing targets, despite ongoing pressures.
'These developments are yet another example of Meath County Council and our partners in the Department of Housing recognising our communities' diverse needs and delivering high-quality housing solutions to meet them.'
Ms Martin hopes her story will inspire other families still waiting.
'I hope other families get what we got - a chance for the kids and themselves to be happy and healthy.'
Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme
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