MINISTER DARRAGH O’BRIEN OPENS NEW FOCUS HOUSING ASSOCIATION DEVELOPMENT PROVIDING 20 HOMES

Focus Housing now provides over 1,400 homes across Ireland

The Minister for Housing Darragh O’Brien officially opened Focus
Housing Association new 20-unit development at Connaught Street last
week which is providing homes for families and individuals in Phibsboro,
Dublin.

The transformation of the Connaught Street site from a disused tire yard
into a much-needed apartment complex is a testament to Focus Housing
Association’s commitment to revitalising communities.

Focus Ireland CEO Pat Dennigan said: “The 20 homes we are delivering
in partnership with Dublin City Council, Housing Finance Agency, The
Housing Agency and The Department of Housing means 20 more households
(families and individuals) have a place to call home. It is rewarding
to see the most basic and fundamental need of their own roof over their
head met as this development provides homes and has ended homelessness
for some of the new tenants.”

He added: “This innovative development uses the Meascan Model of
intentional social mix in housing which includes people leaving
homelessness who may need ongoing support and others from the housing
waiting lists who just need a home. This approach helps to provide
vibrant, sustainable communities while providing ongoing tenancy support
for individuals with past experiences of homelessness or those at risk.
This model ensures that every resident is aware of the potential
challenges faced by some of their neighbors and that support is readily
available to all.”

“We’re also thrilled to share that Focus Ireland has successfully
delivered over 1,400 homes, a testament to our unwavering dedication to
our strategic goals. Amidst the challenge of record homelessness, these
homes not only signify progress but also stand as a beacon of hope,
addressing housing needs and embodying our commitment to help vulnerable
families and individuals every day.

Minister Darragh O’Brien said, “I am always heartened to see new
developments like these, making efficient use of what was once a disused
site and which allow households to live within walking distance of all
the amenities they need. I commend Dublin City Council and Focus Ireland
for their hard work in delivering these top-quality homes in the heart
of Dublin and for their continued efforts in assisting us to achieve the
objectives of Housing for All. All of our efforts are focussed on
increasing the supply of new homes. Homelessness remains the number one
challenge for this Government and how we solve this is by increasing the
supply of high quality social and affordable homes and that is what we
are doing.”

Sr. Stanislaus Kennedy, Founder & Life President of Focus Ireland, said:
“These residences here at Connaught St. underscore the substantial
impact of Focus Housing Association, offering sanctuaries for over 1,400
households dispersed across the length and breadth of Ireland. While
witnessing tenants take possession of their keys and embark on a new
chapter is indeed heartening, we must also confront the broader crisis
that looms. It pains me to acknowledge that the present state of
homelessness in Ireland is unprecedented, eclipsing any prior instances
since the inception of Focus Ireland nearly four decades ago in 1985.”

“In this juncture, it is paramount that we carry hope in our hearts as
we strive to combat this crisis that has left numerous families and
children without stable roofs over their heads. Yet, alongside our hope,
we must retain an unwavering sense of indignation towards the situation.
We cannot accept the notion that homelessness is an insurmountable
challenge. There is much work yet to be done. Our drive to bring about
change must remain unrelenting until we have achieved our goal.”

Along with Dublin City Council Focus Ireland would like to thank
developer and contractor Derrin Homes as well as McGrane & Partners
Architects.

For more information about Focus Housing Association and its
initiatives, visit www.focusireland.ie

Key Features of Connaught Street Development:

Providing 20 homes in A Rated apartments in Phibsboro, catering to various living needs

Accessibility to amenities and services by walking, cycling, or public transport.

Proximity to Cabra Lusa Station and Phibsboro Road bus stops.

Adjacent to Mount Bernard Park, providing recreational spaces and greenery.

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Michael McDonnell Managing Editor of Irish Construction Industry Magazine & Plan Magazine

Email: michael@irishconstruction.com    WWW.MCDMEDIA.IE         WWW.IRISHCONSTRUCTION.COM