Hope endures for vital disability housing project in north Leitrim

The Housing department within Leitrim County Council, in collaboration with the HSE Disability Services, continues to work on advancing a plan to meet the long-term accommodation needs of several young people with disabilities living in the Manorhamilton Municipal District.

At April’s meeting of Manorhamilton MD, Cllr Eddie Mitchell requested an update on the provision of supported housing for people with disabilities. 

A response from the Human Resources department confirmed that the Council intends to apply for funding for the project under the Social Housing Investment Programme, from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.

In March 2024, the original proposal involved engaging an Approved Housing Body (AHB) to lead the project, with funding to be sourced from the Capital Assistance Scheme.

However, the AHB later withdrew, and efforts to find a new AHB through an Expression of Interest process didn’t succeed.

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“Both the Council and the HSE remain committed to delivering this project, notwithstanding the challenges which have arisen in terms of progressing the project,” the reply concluded.

Cllr Mitchell welcomed the update, acknowledging the difficulties faced and the Council’s efforts to address them: “It is an ongoing situation and I’m confident that the Council will do their best,” he said. “I know all of us here are involved with trying to move this forward,” he added.

Cllr James Gilmartin echoed this view, stating the process is “going in the right direction.” 

“There’s full support to get this project across the line because it’s extremely important for relevant stakeholders,” he said.

Cllr Fallon also highlighted the importance of the issue, stating, “There’s an urgency with this issue that needs to be addressed.”

Cllr Felim Gurn described the situation with the AHB as “total frustration,” but added he “firmly believes” that plans will be completed in the near future.

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