RESIDENTS at a new Co-operative Housing Ireland (CHI) development in Drumcondra spoke last week about their delight at moving into their new homes.
Deakin Court on Richmond Road is providing 40 homes to families and individuals ranging in age from 84 to just under 12 months.
The families were drawn from Dublin City Council’s housing list and many were previously homelessness or living in overcrowded or emergency accommodation.
One of the families now enjoying a permanent home is Egle Riaukiene and her daughters Gabi and Eva.
“Having somewhere to live, it means a lot to us,” said Egle.
”It feels like a real home, so we’re happy and we feel safe.”
Egle’s elder daughter, Gabi, explained how finding a home had been a struggle for the family.
“We were just always renting houses and it was really expensive so eventually we had to go into the hotel for a year and it was like, very crowded,” she said.
“Just one room, me and my sister and my mom, so when I heard that we were getting our own place I was delighted, it was like my own room with my sister. It’s much better.”
Speaking at the new development, Minister for Housing, Eoghan Murphy, said the 40 homes were part of 10,000 social homes due to provided across the country this year.
Deakin Court is built on a CHI-owned brownfield site and was developed in partnership with Dublin City Council at a cost of €10.5 million.
CHI is the national organisation for co-operative housing in Ireland and Deakin Court is its second development in Drumcondra after Calderwood.
“The collaborative approach and close partnership of Dublin City Council in developing these projects has been key to their success,” said CEO, Kieron Brennan.
“CHI is making a real contribution to meeting housing needs across Ireland. Currently CHI provides over 1,540 homes in Dublin city and county and over 2,400 across Ireland.
“Last year alone saw us provide new homes for 245 families, up from 190 the previous year and with a further 450 homes planned for completion by 2020.”
The Deakin Court development combines a mix of one, two and three-bedroom apartments with landscaped gardens overlooking the Tolka River.
The internal fit out of heating systems, kitchens, bathrooms etc. were all carried out to a high quality finish and the scheme is within easy reach of local services, schools and universities.
Dublin Lord Mayor, Paul McAuliffe, who launched the development with Minister Murphy said the opening was a great day for the 40 families now living there.
“Deakin Court is to become their new home, their new beginning,” he added.
“We are all acutely aware of the current housing crisis in Ireland, impacting most heavily on our capital city.
“The lack of stability and security caused by this crisis bears serious consequences for family and community life.
“Here, in the heart of the city, however, CHI with Dublin City Council has built the foundations of a sustainable community that will allow families to thrive and flourish.”
