Fine Gael Dun Laoghaire Deputy, Mary Mitchell O’Connor, has welcomed the announcement by the Minister for Housing, Jan O’Sullivan TD, of new social and voluntary units to be provided in Dun Laoghaire/ Rathdown, which will be used to provide housing for the homeless, the elderly and those living with disabilities. In all, provision has been made for 101 units in the constituency, as part of a wider package of 800 new social and voluntary housing units to be provided nationally.

“Dun Laoghaire/ Rathdown is in line to receive 101 new units as part of a suite of social and voluntary housing that is being provided nationally at a cost of €100 million.

“Under the Capital Assistance Scheme, eight units are to be provided for St. John of God Trust and Túath Housing, providing homes for the elderly, the homeless and those living with disabilities. The total cost of this scheme is €1,577,696.

“Under the Local Authority Social Housing scheme, 93 units are to be built or renovated for use. Eighty of these are managed by Túath at Rochdale, Honeypark. A further 13 units are to be constructed, with conversions of existing bedsits to one bed units at a total combined cost of €6,520,000.

“That the green light has been given for these proposals from local authorities, in spite of our economic situation is fantastic. It is crucial that we continue to meet the needs of the most disadvantaged in society and that those who are capable of living independently are assisted in doing so.

“This announcement comes on a day when the Taoiseach, Tánaiste and Minister of State for Disability, Equality, Mental Health and Older People, Ms Kathleen Lynch TD, launched the National Carers’ Strategy, which will point the way forward for future policies, supports and services in this area.

“These units are set to come on stream between now and 2014. They will be a fantastic addition to the people of Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown, providing homes and facilitating independent living for so many people.”