Minister Donohoe helps to launch innovative Dublin social housing scheme

27th November, 2017

CLÚID PROVIDES HOMES FOR 51 PEOPLE ON DUBLIN CITY COUNCIL HOUSING WAITING LIST

 

Clúid Housing officially launched its latest development this morning with the completion of 43 one and two bedroom apartments in Cabra, Dublin 7. The scheme was opened by Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government, Eoghan Murphy TD and Minister for Finance and Public Expenditure & Reform, Paschal Donohoe TD.

 

Clúid, the State’s largest approved housing body (AHB), worked in partnership with a number of stakeholders to deliver this much-needed housing in an area of high demand. The project is being delivered in partnership with Dublin City Council, the Housing Finance Agency, the European Investment Bank and the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government.

 

In total, 51 senior citizens received the keys to their new home today. As part of Clúid’s commitment to meeting the housing needs of all residents, Broome Lodge is specifically designed to promote independent living in an age friendly society.

FUNDING

The Cabra development cost just over €8 million. The average cost per apartment totalled just under €190,000, representing excellent value for money. The construction was funded by loans from the Housing Finance Agency and the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government; and the site was provided by Dublin City Council.

 

Local TD, Minister Paschal Donohoe highlighted just how important this scheme is to the area: “The investment by Government, in partnership with Clúid Housing, demonstrates our commitment to the people of Cabra and to the provision of better housing, new schools and improved infrastructure ensuring better standards and quality of life. Today’s proceedings at Broome Lodge act as an important milestone for Cabra West, and mark the official opening of homes for 51 senior citizens in our community. The redevelopment of this site is not only important because it provides homes for people who need them, it also transforms an area, which has been the source of dereliction and vandalism in the past, into one that is focused on building a sense of community and facilitating people with homes for life.”

 

SUSTAINABLE HOUSING

Clúid’s Head of Delivery, Eibhlin O’Connor commented: “We are determined to keep pace with residents’ changing needs by developing schemes like Broome Lodge. We believe in supporting senior citizens to ‘age in place’ which means enabling people to stay in their home for as long as they wish. That is why Clúid’s design standard follows the Universal Design principle in its approach to delivering sustainable housing.”

 

Universal Design is the design and composition of an environment so that it can be accessed, understood and used to the greatest extent possible by all people regardless of their age, size, ability or disability. The major benefits of this approach include:

  • Elimination of need for retrofitting;
  • Elimination of adaptation costs;
  • Residents can remain in their own home for longer;
  • Reduction in the capital cost of disability grants;
  • Less need for support services;
  • Greater independence for residents.

O’Connor continued: “We’re delighted to have worked with Dublin City Council to ensure those with the greatest housing and support needs were prioritised and allocated a ‘home for life’ at Broome Lodge. They include a number of people who were until now experiencing homelessness and others who were medical priorities. We believe that Broome Lodge will provide residents with a high quality of life and improved health in a safe, secure community.”

 

The entire complex runs on an energy efficient heating system and the BER of each apartment is A3. Combined with an affordable rent, this helps combat fuel poverty and supports residents to minimise their living costs.

 

 

DESIGN FEATURES

A number of key features were specifically included to enhance residents’ overall quality-of-life. At the heart of Broome Lodge is a landscaped central courtyard designed to encourage regular social interaction. Meanwhile, interior communal areas provide space for social supports from the local community and help combat loneliness. All areas of the building are accessible including the communal laundry and drying room. The inclusion of assistive living technology, including a wheelchair and scooter charging room available, fosters independence.

ENDS

 

Notes to the Editor:

Clúid is an independent, not-for-profit charity, and is the largest approved housing body (AHB) in Ireland. Established in 1994, Clúid leads the way in providing high quality, affordable rented homes to people in housing need. We work in partnership with local authorities to provide housing to those on social housing waiting lists. Our team of over 170 highly qualified professional staff are committed to providing quality housing and services that enable people to create homes and thriving communities. We aim to deliver 2500 new social housing units over a three year period.