Georgian building in Limerick city repurposed for homes
AHEAD OF Novas unveiling its annual report, the ribbon was cut at a unique new housing facility in Limerick city centre.
The homelessness charity launched a new development in Newenham Street for homeless people.
It will provide eight one-bedroom apartments.
And it’s significant in that it’s the first redevelopment of a derelict home in Georgian Limerick which has secured an A3 energy rating.
The facility comes after the chief executive of Novas, Una Deasy, commented that single adults spend too long stuck in temporary accommodation.
It means that people newly presenting as homeless are unable to access the services they need.
“The opportunities for people to move from homeless accommodation are becoming increasingly scarce as the private rented market continues to contract,” she warned.
Minister of State at the Department of Housing and Limerick TD Kieran O’Donnell cut the ribbon at the new homes.
He said: “Reducing and preventing homelessness remains a top priority for the government. ‘Housing for All’ recognises the challenges of homelessness and sets out actions to support and to exit homelessness.”
He described this new development as “an excellent demonstration of partnership between the Department of Housing, the local authority and Novas, whereby vacant properties were transformed into vibrant city-centre homes, giving people a home for life, an excellent standard of accommodation and a new sense of security.”
Mr O’Donnell added his department is committed to working with local authorities and approved housing bodies to generate more opportunities like this.
One of the residents using temporary homeless accommodation is Helen McInerney.
Aged 54, she has spent her adult life renting privately, until her landlord sold her apartment. For her, homelessness was unexpected.
“I lived independently my whole life without any issues,” she said, saying that her being homeless now has had a “devastating” impact on relationships with her family.
“I have nowhere to meet my grandchildren. Now we meet on a street corner. I can't wait until I can cook for them again, have them over, be a meaningful part of their lives,” she concluded.