Couple Builds Homes for Employees to Solve Local Housing Problem

couple built homes for employees to solve their problem

By Veronica Chan , Parent Herald Dec 16, 02:35 am

A couple built homes for their employees to help solve the problem that one couple brought up to them. Workers have a hard time looking for a place to stay, so they are torn whether to stay with the company or to go back to their homeland. The pair wanted to keep their skilled employees, so they decided to make a way out.

Owners of Walsh Colour Print and Educate.ie, Patricia and Tony Walsh, has almost 120 employees. Patricia explained that the people they hire need to have a specialized skill set. Since they could not find candidates locally, the majority of their workers are from other European countries.

Limited housing options

However, since housing options are not only limited but also pricey in the area, many of their workers find it hard to pay steep rents. Anna and Marcin Wojs, who emigrated from Poland to Ireland 16 years ago, have been working with the company.

The duo is torn whether to go back to their homeland or to stay because of their dilemma. So they told the Walshes their problem. As a result, the husband and wife decided to offer affordable housing so their employees would stay.

The Walshes sought planning permission in 2017, so they could build not-for-profit homes on their land. They have earmarked 20 of the 70 units for their workers on the Clonaugh site. They sold each unit at a low cost of about $36,000 for their employees. They will be selling the other 50 units at full price to offset the costs.

After the Wojs family have moved into their new home, they have already started decking the halls. The last two employees who bought homes will be moving in in the new year.

An informal agreement

For employees who bought homes, Tony Walsh explained that they have to stay with the company for the next ten years. He noted that an informal agreement would have to take place to ensure a steady workforce. Other than that, he believes that it could help secure a stable future for their workers after they retire.

According to "RTE News," Tony Walsh said that Mercin and Anna are very happy because, for the first time in their lives, they own something. After that, he said that they plan to roll the rest out to the other staff.

Next month, they will break the ground for the construction of the next tract of houses. Patricia noted that providing affordable houses for their workers is a win-win situation for both the owner and the employees. She hopes that other Irish films would do just as they did.

Anna shared that they are thankful that they could be home with their family during the holidays. She stated that it is the best Christmas present ever because they are happy about it.