A number of high-profile architects, academics and building professionals have lent their support to the development of a 40-house eco-village which environmentalists plan to build on a 100-acre rural site within an hour's drive of Dublin's M50.
The Village, as the project is to be called, is intended to be a model for sustainable development offering homes which are constructed to modern, environmentally-friendly standards, using renewable resources and utilising highly active waste-management strategies. The Village will include two community facilities, and identify possibilities for the development of small businesses.
Among the directors of the project are the Green Party TD, Mr John Gormley, Mr Brian O'Brien of the Dublin Co-Housing Group, Ms Caroline Conroy, a solicitor and chairwoman of the Dublin Food Co-op, and Mr Ross Coakley, a civil engineer.
The project directors have identified a number of suitable sites, one in Meath and one in east Offaly, where they feel they can buy suitable land for £500,000 to £600,000. They are organising a fund-raising drive, with a number of investors to provide loans of up to £30,000 each. In all, the project aims to raise £1.2 million.
In return for their loans, investors will receive a site, complete with outline planning permission, and become part of the Village community. The Village will be run as a co-operative. Investors may alternatively guarantee loans from the Tridos Bank, which supports environmentally-friendly ventures. Investors may withdraw their money at any time and shares may be traded.
The Village may be contacted at Sustainable Projects Ireland Ltd, 15 Ostman Place, Manor Street, Dublin 7, or through email: thevillage@tinet.ie
