Concerns raised over co-living development in planned nursing home in Clondalkin

Padraig Conlon 15 Jun 2021

Angry locals are still furious that plans to build a four-storey nursing home on the grounds of a historic site in Clondalkin are going ahead.

Bartra Property last month began construction of a 155-bed nursing home and retirement home for the Presentation nuns on land at the Convent grounds in Clondalkin village.

The developers’ plans were upheld in late 2019 by An Bord Pleanála, despite very strong opposition from residents, community groups and local politicians.

Now several concerns have been raised in relation to the co-living development that is being built as part of the new private nursing home on the Convent grounds.

In addition to the 145 nursing home rooms the development includes the refurbishment of an existing building into a co-living facility of 25 bedrooms for staff.

“I’m very concerned about the co-living aspect of this development, both in terms of the living conditions for staff, but also in terms of infection control and health of nursing home residents,” local TD Gino Kenny said.

“Covid-19 has shown us the importance of adequate facilities to self-isolate in order to control the spread of infection. I would be very concerned about nursing home staff living in co-living facilities.

“The Minister has also recently introduced legislation to stop further co-living facilities for this reason.

“I would also be concerned about the increase in employers providing sub-standard for workers, many of whom are very low paid and can’t afford to access housing in the private rental market.

“This can also lead to the exploitation of workers who are living in housing supplied by the employer.

“I supported the local campaign against this development and it is becoming increasingly clear that this development has nothing to do with the local community but all to do with making profits.

“I’m calling on the Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly to intervene to stop the dangerous co-living development for nursing home staff.”

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