Tuath Housing and Louth County Council partner to open new homes for older persons and individuals with disabilities

Assisted living scheme officially launched at ceremony in Dundalk

Louth County Council Cathaoirleach Cllr Kevin Callan has officially opened Coulter Close, a new assisted living development in Dundalk.

Cllr Callan was joined by residents of the development and their family members at the launch event, as well as invited guests from Tuath Housing and project partners, Louth County Council, Inclusion Louth, St John of God’s Community Services, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and the Health Service Executive.

Inclusion Louth initiated the project on the Armagh Road, which saw Tuath Housing Association partner with Louth County Council to deliver this seven-home long-term assisted living residential development, meeting local housing needs. These homes are being allocated to older persons and individuals with disabilities on the local authority housing waiting list.

A welcome address was delivered by Bronagh D’Arcy, Chief Operating Officer of Tuath, the organisation which oversaw the direct build of these homes. Mary Connolly, Committee Member, Inclusion Louth, then spoke on the organisation’s role in the project at the event. Kevin Madigan, CEO of St John of God’s Community Services, also shared a few words. Resident Mary McAlester also spoke, expressing her gratitude for her new home.

Intellectual Disability Services from St John of God’s Community Service occupy one of the units in Coulter Close, an initiative which was funded through the HSE. A blessing of their unit was also conducted during the event.

The units, constructed by CJ Callan and designed by O’Brien Finucane Architects are all at ground level with garden and common area access, designed to prioritise accessibility, independence and community interaction.

These homes were made possible through the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage Capital Assistance Scheme which funds housing for priority groups such as older persons, people with disabilities and individuals experiencing homelessness; land provided by Louth County Council and funding for care provision through the HSE.