Effort to cut through red tape for seniors housing

Survey launched by housing body to show need for accommodation in North Clare

A LOCAL voluntary housing agency is carrying out a survey of North Clare accommodation requirements in a bid to remove a stumbling block that has halted the development of an approved €7 million purpose supported retirement complex in Ennistymon.
Inagh Voluntary Housing Association (IVHA ) has secured an agreement with Banna Developments to redevelop the old Convent site in Ennistymon into a sheltered retirement village with 30 accommodation units, subject to state funding.
However, this major elderly housing scheme hangs in the balance over Department of Housing criteria for the administration of government-funded projects.
IVHA is now carrying out a public survey to find out how many elderly people require this type of accommodation in North Clare, particularly in Ennistymon, Lahinch and the surrounding areas.
Banna Developments, c/o Áine Hussey and Thomas Fitzgerald, Quin, was granted planning permission on December 20, 2019 to refurbish the existing convent building and an extension to include 12 two-bedroom apartments with a doctors’ room, day room and laundry facilities; the construction of a new three-storey building to the rear of the existing building consisting of 18 two-bedroom apartments at The Convent, Lahinch Road, Ennistymon.
Clare County Council recently confirmed it is working with IVHA towards the delivery of a social housing development in Ennistymon.
The council outlined it is bound by policy and procedure in the administration of government funded projects and must achieve the criteria as set by the Department of Housing for individual schemes.
“For a scheme to be supported the housing need must be demonstrated from the social housing list in the area under consideration, this has always been a minimum criteria for public funding of schemes.
“IVHA are free to develop and fund the project privately to house those who do not meet the criteria for the government-supported funding.
“The council will continue to work with IVHA to support this body in the delivery, administration and maintenance of public funded schemes.”
IVHA has appealed to North Clare people to participate in this accommodation survey to demonstrate the need for the construction of this retirement village.
If any person thinks they might avail of this type of accommodation, now or in the future call Caroline 085 1494053 or email Inagh Housing at inaghhousing@gmail.com who will arrange to get someone to call on you to support the completion of an application form.
Additionally, if anyone resides in council family-type accommodation, and would prefer to reside in a single or two-bed supported accommodation, this person or someone on their behalf can request a transfer, and assistance will be provided with completing the application and necessary paperwork.

by Dan Danaher