Wallace welcomes funding for housing project
Meath East TD Mary Wallace has expressed her delight with the allocation of €524,755 for a voluntary housing project at Mulhussey, Jenkinstown, Kilcock, Co. Meath.
The funding is in respect of the provision of 4 units of accommodation under the Capital Assistance Scheme for voluntary housing projects
The accommodation is being provided by Saint John of God Trust (Ireland), in co-operation with Meath County Council and will be allocated to persons with disabilities.
The Minister understands that a property has been earmarked for the development and upon completion of contracts the vendor will go to tender for a complete modification of the property which will provide a high standard of living accommodation for people with physical disabilities. Work is expected to start towards the end of this Summer 08.
From 1st November, 2007, funding levels under the Capital Assistance Scheme were increased to 100% of the approved cost. This has allowed voluntary bodies to focus on providing the infrastructure and supports that ensure the most vulnerable in our communities are cherished and cared for without having to fund-raise to ensure the financial viability of sheltered and special needs housing projects.
Minister Wallace stated, “There is a need for increasing partnerships between local authorities and voluntary bodies in addressing the accommodation needs of the vulnerable. This is an excellent example of a local authority working in partnership with a voluntary housing agency.”
She continued “Thanks to the generous funding available from the Dept of Environment and co-operation from local authorities, voluntary bodies like St John of Gods are playing a very significant role in the provision of housing accommodation.”
“I would like to congratulate all voluntary bodies on the very valuable work undertaken which goes towards the provision of rental accommodation for low-income families, special needs groups and the elderly .” She concluded.