New complex opens its doors in Drimnagh

THE Walkinstown Housing Association (WHA), in collaboration with Dublin City Council (DCC), has opened 11 new homes for older persons and people with disability in Rafter’s Lane, Drimnagh.

The development, which is comprised of 10 one-bed apartments and a five- bedroom unit, has been spearheaded by the local group in partnership with the council over the last five years. It will mean that more than 15 people with housing needs will now come off the housing list.

Chairperson of WHA, John Bourke, said: “After an extensive period of engagement between the various groups and local residents we are delighted that people can now take up tenancy.”

The project originated when WALK, an organisation providing supports to people with intellectual disability, identified housing and age-related support needs within a cohort of people in their services.

Dialogue with DCC helped identify similar needs among people on their housing list and when the potential in the site at Rafters Lane was considered the opportunity for the partnership was born.

Two men supported by WALK for the last 20  years will have the opportunity to move in.

Tim Chaney (69) has lived in shared accommodation for the last 14 years and several years ago expressed an ambition to move into his own accommodation.

He will continue to be supported by WALK and is looking forward to decorating his new home and inviting his friends and family to a housewarming.

Patrick Dermody is a vibrant and active 80-year-old who was born in the area and who can regularly be seen supporting his beloved boys in blue at Croke Park.

Patrick will move into the five-bedroom unit and is excited about the future and meeting his new housemates as WALK continue in their dialogue with the HSE in order to ensure the resources and compatibility of those people to take up the tenancy with Patrick.

At the official launch, WALK CEO, Joe Mason, added: “It is heart warming to be in a position where we are opening the doors to a much-needed development when we are in the midst of a national housing crisis.

“Our goal is to move to full occupancy in a timely fashion and we will continue in our collaboration with the HSE to ensure that this happens.”