A LOAN of over e1 million for the Peter McVerry Trust, to be ratified by Fingal County Council in the coming weeks, is to be put towards the purchase of 10 apartments in Santry for the homeless.
The funding, which was preapproved by the Government and recently rubber-stamped at a Fingal Council area committee meeting, needs to be officially cleared at a full council meeting due to take place on November 12.
If, as expected, the funding is ratified by councillors, the e1,034,302, which will be provided under the Capital Assistance Scheme, will be spent on units to accommodate homeless people on Fingal County Council’s housing list.
The Peter McVerry Trust, which supports young homeless people in and around the city, plan to buy five two-bedroom apartments and five one-bed units at Geraldstown Wood in Santry.
According to an official from the council the loan is subject to a mortgage agreement on the property for a term of 30 years.
“Under the scheme repayments on the loan will be waived by the council for as long as the terms and conditions outlined in the mortgage agreement are complied with to the satisfaction of the council,
? the official stated.
“A Capital Grant for the full amount will be received from the Department of the Environment Heritage and Local Government.
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Speaking to Northside People, Jesuit priest Peter McVerry said he was delighted that the funding has moved a step closer to being officially approved.
“We will be absolutely delighted to be able to offer enhanced services to homeless people and this will allow us to do this,
? he stated.
Brian Friel, Head of Services at the Peter McVerry Trust, explained how the charity made a joint application in partnership with Fingal County Council for funding for 10 units.
“Word was received in September that the application had been successful and 10 units were identified in Geraldstown Woods, Santry,
? he told Northside People.
“Final approval is now going before Fingal County Council and, if successful, Peter McVerry Trust will house people from the Fingal County Council housing list.
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The Peter McVerry Trust charity was set up by Fr Peter McVerry in 1983. It became a voluntary housing provider in 1985 and has over the last three decades developed a strong history of supporting the most vulnerable in society into housing.
The Trust provides a number of services to meet the needs of young homeless people.