Alone acquires dozens of housing units in Inchicore

ALONE, the organisation which supports older people, has acquired Jamestown Court in Inchicore from Dublin City Council.

The charity will provide homes for older people and undertake a phased redevelopment of the site. 

Alone will also lead a redevelopment and refurbishment project of the current site, parts of which are currently steeled up, to create age-friendly one-bedroom homes for older people on the housing waiting list.

It is envisaged that the project will encompass refurbishment of the existing three blocks and the building of a fourth block. 

Construction work on Block A began in June and is estimated to take 12 months to complete. 

The full redevelopment project will be completed by 2022. 

The acquirement of Jamestown Court was made possible with funding from the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government through Dublin City Council (DCC), combined with loan finance advanced by the Housing Finance Agency (HFA).

The Lord Mayor of Dublin, Paul McAuliffe, said: “Today highlights the important partnership of Dublin City Council, the Department of Housing and approved housing organisations, such as Alone, which come together to provide needed accommodation with specific supports required by our older population.”

Seán Moynihan, CEO of Alone added: “We are excited to be moving forward with the Jamestown Court project and are grateful for the assistance of Dublin City Council, the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government to make this housing solution a reality.

“Looking ahead to 2022, there will be 50 age-specific homes available to provide secure and supported housing for older people. This is an important step in the right direction for older people’s housing.”

Tenants will be provided with support from Alone’s housing officers and support workers and will also be offered the organisation’s pioneering BConnect assistive technology to support them to age at home. 

Mr Moynihan explained: “There is huge demand for housing for older people and developments such as Jamestown Court are urgently required. It is vital that supports are offered as part of housing provision for older people.

The modification of units and the decision to create specific age-friendly homes is also essential when looking to cater to Ireland’s ageing population.