In 2001, concern about the needs of elderly people in the Mayo town of Newport prompted the formation of St Dominick’s Housing Association. One of its first acts was to carry out a survey to determine the precise level of need. The first survey of its kind, it revealed that there were some 220 people aged over 65 in the immediate catchment area, with 85 of that number living alone.
Yet the nearest day-care centre was located some 10 miles away in Westport and struggled to cope with the level of need in its immediate area. It was clear that a local solution was required and the Association set about the arduous task of securing a site and funds to make their vision a reality. Soon after, they acquired land, complete with an old convent, courtesy of the Mercy Sisters.
The plan was to build nine houses, four apartments and a day-care centre with kitchen, recreational and limited medical facilities. It would provide direct accommodation for 18 elderly people, while providing care and other services for considerably more. Clann Credo supported the project due to the Association’s sound financial structures and the clear social benefit it would deliver to the community, particularly its more vulnerable citizens.
Location: Newport, Co. Mayo
"Clann Credo supported the project due to the Association’s sound financial structures and the clear social benefit it would deliver to the community, particularly its more vulnerable citizens."