Ennis mum in new home: ‘I have a real sense of gratitude and joy’

MOVING into her new home in Ennis’ newly launched Co-operative Housing Ireland Development has been an emotional “restart” for Amanda Shannon and her teenage son.

Amanda sadly lost her husband five years ago, telling The Clare Champion her new home has become “healing” for her.

“I think the attachment to the old house was too much so this new house has big, big meaning for me. It’s a restart.”

A qualified teacher Amanda has been unable to work recently due to health issues including long Covid.

Before moving into the Moínear development in Ros Leamhain she had been renting for eight years. She describes renting as “a challenge”, with her family experiencing issues such as damp and mould.

“It would even be summer time and I’d have to wash the walls with a mask on because I didn’t want to breath in the mould.

“During lockdown it was difficult to access care and we were in the house all the time that was very damp. But moving in here to this environment has improved things, even my sleep is better. I know it depends on the landlord you get, but it can become difficult to get a problem solved when renting, it’s challenging.”

“Now, I feel very safe being part of the CHI, you have someone to talk to who is reasonable and fair. People listen to you and it feels you don’t have to worry.”

As well as seeing improvements to her physical health, Amanda also feels a more positive mental energy.

“This place is fresh and clean and it’s a healthy environment. I feel it helps us breathe. Sometimes you’re cluttered in your mind because there’s too much going on around you, but I feel like this place offers us a chance to plan.

“It’s actually soothing for the nervous system and I think it’s allowed us joy and happiness.

“It’s lovely to just have to think about silly things like what kind of dresser do I want, not will I have to look for somewhere else to live in three years. This takes the pressure off and I feel like I’m breathing and enjoying things. It means so much.”

Amanda is also a singer – songwriter and she believes that her new home will help her creativity.

“I’m a very different person since I moved in. I feel I can pursue singing and build up my strength now.

“I was in Donabate recently at a session and it’s good to just go out and perform. I’m also writing songs and this space allows me to think. It allows me to be creative because I’m not worried about a leak over there.

“There’s nothing to worry about only keeping it tidy and decorating it the way I want. I’m actually in a state of creation rather than survival and that’s a completely different feeling.”

Among those who have been enjoying her singing have been her new neighbours. “We have lovely neighbours here. I was singing one night and my neighbour went off and bought me flowers saying ‘it was beautiful to hear you singing’.

“There is so much positivity here and we’re coming together and getting to know each other. There’s a really nice energy in the place.”

She concludes, “I just feel very grateful to be here. Sometimes I drive in and even now I feel emotional taking it all in, thinking about how this issue has been solved and I have a home. I have a real sense of gratitude and joy.”

The homes were delivered in partnership with Clare County Council, the Housing Finance Agency, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, the Housing Agency, Ennis-based construction companies, Datcha Construction and Glencore Construction.