The Irish owned Thornsett Group are specialists in council schemes, having spent over a decade in the UK where they developed over 10,000 local authority homes. Since entering the market here little more than four years ago, the company has focused on standalone schemes of private sector standard.

As the company's chief executive, Peter McCarthy, explains the mission is to work closely with local councils to create quality housing within a shorter time scale.

"People shouldn't be able to walk down the street, point at houses and easily identify them as a social housing scheme - these homes should be of the same quality, finish and attention to detail of private developments. As the design of new homes has vastly improved in the last couple of years, so too has the quality of the affordable and social sector. But what is really needed is a focussed agency, dedicated to speed up the process - local authorities can take up to five years to get to sign off stage. We aim to deliver schemes in two years or less, and in turnkey condition."

Thornsett's latest scheme of 22 social and affordable houses was recently launched at Relic Road, Kilbeggan, Co Westmeath, with prices starting under 150,000.

This is the first turnkey development within that category launched in the country according to the local county council. There are 16 social and six affordable houses with prices for the affordable representing, on average, a 25% plus discount on current local market values.

Further information from www. thornsettgroup. ie or www. westmeathcoco. ie