New handyman service launched in Limerick city

DO you need a handyman in a hurry? If so, a unique new service could be for you.

Community Repair and Maintenance (CRM), which was launched last week on the southside, provides people with affordable access to help for a wide variety of jobs around the home.

It aims to provide all types of DIY, flat-packing and handyman tasks to people across the city, county, and potentially the region.

Jobs covered include the installation of domestic smoke alarms, painting, chimney sweeping, window washing and tacking down carpets.

The new community business is being funded with a grant from the PAUL Partnership, and the scheme was launched by Mayor Gerry McLoughlin at Our Lady of Lourdes Community Centre.

The idea spawns from the Care and Repair programme, which provides services to the elderly and disabled.

But unlike this, everyone can benefit, with no job too big or small.

The scheme is being run by Moyross man John Ryan and Loughill native Ursula Mullane.

Former Dell employee Ursula said the scheme is a “hybrid between a volunteer organisation and a commercial enterprises”.

“We plan to become a trusted brand in the community. We hope to offer [this service to anyone] whether you are a senior member of the community, a junior member of the community, someone living alone, or someone who does not know anyone. We are a service which can breach that gap.”

The Care and Repair service will still run, with the people behind CRM offering a portion of their hours on a pro-bono basis to the service, aimed at the more vulnerable.

Ursula and John have been working closely with the Limerick City Enterprise Board.

Sadly, the board cannot offer a grant for this scheme until it grows.

Chief executive Eamon Ryan says it is frustrating that social enterprises cannot get funding.

“We are hoping to have a community enterprise fund set up through regeneration. The possibility is still there, but regeneration funding is being held up, and we have to keep fighting,” he said.

He said he hopes that John and Ursula approach the enterprise board in a year seeking grant aid to employ more people.

Mayor Gerry McLoughlin added: “It is a great tribute to you that you have initiated this scheme. Everyone needs reliable, confident people going into their homes: people they can trust.”

For more information, visit www.communityrepairandmaintenance.com.