OUR 17-YEAR WAIT FOR HOUSE ENDS

THREE years after fearing homelessness and 17 years on the house hunt, a father-of-two said he is relieved to have finally bought a property.

- BY CIARA O'LOUGHLIN Political Correspondent

Derek McCluskey, wife Jana, and their daughters, Kira, 12, and 17-year-old Sasa, were among 20 families who moved into their new affordable purchase homes in Gorey, Co Wexford yesterday.

The three-bedroom semidetached houses in Radharc Na Beannoige cost €237,000 under Wexford County Council’s scheme.

It helps first-time buyers purchase a home by bridging the gap between their mortgage approval and the home’ value, with the council taking an equity share.

Mr McCluskey said he and his family are excited to have a home to call their own, as three years ago they feared homelessness when their landlord broached the idea of selling.

Speaking in the kitchen, Mr McCluskey said: “We've been renting for 17 years.