New senior citizen project for Inchicore

THE Department of Housing has announced that €15 million in Government funding is being invested in new senior citizen accommodation in Inchicore.

The Minister for Housing and Urban Development, Damien English, said the site of 1B on the former St Michael’s Estate site had been chosen for the construction of 52 new homes for older people by 2020.

This ‘Housing with Support’ pilot project is being run under the ‘Rebuilding Ireland’ plan, in conjunction with Dublin City Council, Circle Housing, and ALONE.

Minister of State, Catherine Byrne (FG) revealed that the project has been approved for Capital Assistance Scheme funding of €14,934,528 from the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government, plus a contribution of €450,000 from the HSE towards additional communal facilities.

The ‘Housing with Support’ model brings together a range of services and supports for older people, promoting independence and reducing or deferring the need to move into long term residential care.

“I have long supported the provision of senior citizen accommodation in our local community, and this announcement shows a firm commitment by Government to making this a reality,” Minister Byrne said.

Minister English said the homes are being ‘future proofed’ before they are built, with extra space to allow for care staff and or family to stay over.

“I wish Circle Voluntary Housing Association success in delivering on this important project,” he said.