A dozen new homes completed in Limerick city in effort to tackle homelessness

A DOZEN new social housing units have been completed in Limerick city in an effort to tackle homelessness.

Peter McVerry Trust completed the 12 “high-quality” units on Mallow Street in partnership with Limerick City and County Council.

The project “transformed a long-vacant site into modern, energy-efficient homes that will provide secure accommodation for individuals from the local social housing list,” a spokesperson for the housing and homelessness charity said.

14 new tenants will begin to move into their homes this month, “bringing new life to the area and contributing to the vibrancy of Limerick’s city centre”.

Niall Mulligan, CEO of Peter McVerry Trust, said, “This project is a great example of how we can reimagine and repurpose vacant buildings to meet urgent housing needs. Single-person households make up a significant proportion of those on social housing waiting lists and in emergency accommodation but the current housing stock is heavily weighted toward larger family units, leaving a gap for individuals. 

“These new homes will take fourteen people out of homelessness and give them an opportunity to start a new chapter of their lives,” he continued.

“We’re proud to deliver this project in partnership with local and national stakeholders, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact they will have on the lives of the new tenants.”

The design team for this venture was led by CJ Falconer & Associates. 

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Juneanne Falconer, partner at the architectural practice, added, “This thoughtfully restored development at Mallow Street blends heritage and innovation, reinstating lost architectural features and carefully restoring original materials using traditional methods. The reinstatement of the missing upper storey at 2-3 Mallow Street, along with restored brickwork, windows, and detailing, preserves the historic character and integrity of the buildings.

“A central courtyard links the Georgian structures with new mews apartments, creating a shared space that encourages community and softens the urban setting. Both the restored and new-build elements incorporate advanced energy-efficient technologies, including heat pump systems and mechanical ventilation, delivering sustainable, high-quality living in the heart of the city.”

In 2024, Peter McVerry Trust supported over 12,000 people nationally, including over 500 people in Limerick who availed of housing and resettlement services, a spokesperson for the charity confirmed.

These new homes were funded through Housing for All and delivered by the charity in partnership with Limerick City and County Council, with the support of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. 

Peter McVerry Trust is a national housing and homeless charity committed to reducing homelessness and the harm caused by substance misuse and social disadvantage.

The charity provides low-threshold entry services, primarily to younger people and vulnerable adults with complex needs, and offers pathways out of homelessness based on the principles of the Housing First model.