The provision of 42 new homes in Dun Laoghaire for elderly people and those with intellectual or physical disability will greatly benefit these individuals and their families according to Fine Gael Dun Laoghaire TD Mary Mitchell O’Connor. Mitchell O’Connor was speaking following the announcement by Minister for the Environment, Community & Local Government, Alan Kelly, and Minister for State for Housing, Planning & Construction, Paudie Coffey, of a major nationwide programme to provide housing to vulnerable individuals.

“This is fantastic news. It will directly benefit these individuals and their families and will greatly help to reduce the pressure on Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council. Furthermore it will provide us with a legacy of improved housing stock for those who are unable to provide for themselves. It is extremely welcome that we will have these new dedicated social housing units to provide these supports to those who find themselves in need of housing support.

“This announcement comes on the back of the announcement by the Government in May of increased funding for local authorities to undertake adaptations to houses to support people with a disability and the elderly.

“The investment, which comes to over €151 million nationally and €7,432,700 in Dun Laoghaire, will be given to Approved Housing Bodies, to assist those with specific needs such as elderly people, persons with intellectual or physical disability and homeless persons. The newly acquired homes will be ready for people with housing needs this year while the newly constructed homes will be completed by 2017.

“The construction and upgrading of these housing units will also help create local employment, the benefits of which will be felt by businesses in our community.”