103 purpose-built units for older persons officially opened
A PURPOSE-built elderly housing development was officially opened in Crumlin last week.
Fold Housing opened Ireland’s largest purpose-built scheme for older persons in St Agnes, which contains 103 units.
Located at Captains Place, beside Crumlin Village, the development consists of six apartment blocks all designed with older persons in mind, making it the largest older person’s social housing development of its kind in the country.
Fold Housing, an approved housing body, specialises in providing homes for families and older persons, working to create safe and sustainable communities for its tenants.
All of the 111 residents in St Agnes, were previously on Dublin City Council’s housing list.
Dublin City Council was the sanctioning authority for the scheme and facilitated in attaining funding of over €20 million from the Department of Housing and Housing Finance Agency (HFA).
Speaking at the official opening, Darragh O’Brien, Minister for Housing, said the Crumlin scheme is a “model for housing developments for older people” and is something he wants to see “replicated nationally”.
Elizabeth O’Donnell, resident in St Agnes said: “I couldn’t be happier with my new home.
“It gives me a great sense of comfort to have a safe space that I can call my own.
“It’s been lovely to meet and get to know all my new neighbours, and the whole community here in Crumlin has been so welcoming.”
Peter Ayton, Chair, Fold Housing said: “By 2051 there will be 1.6 million people over the age of 65 living in Ireland.
“We have to ensure that the homes we provide help more of us to live active independent lives for as long as possible and Captains Place meets that need.”
St Agnes is designed in accordance with the latest universal design guidelines including grab rails, non-slip flooring, and lifts.
All of the kitchens are equipped with energy efficient gas fired condensing combi-boilers, while solar panels fitted to the roofs of the apartment blocks provide a renewable energy source.
