A new residential development for clients of St Joseph's Intellectual Disability Service, Knockamann, in Portrane was officially opened by Minister for Disability and Mental Health, John Moloney, this week.

Knockamann is a customised residential development comprising 10 six bed houses and a comprehensive day service facility. The total cost of the build and fit out was €16.53 million.

Three of the 10 houses opened on September 14th and to date 18 residents have settled into the new homes. Some 42 additional clients will be housed in the Knockamann development when the remaining seven houses open in November 2010.

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Speaking at the opening ceremony Minister Moloney, said: "This development forms a crucial part in progressing national policy in effecting the transfer of clients with intellectual disabilities currently in psychiatric hospitals to more appropriate accommodation."

Knockamann is unique in that it offers its clients a much improved quality of life, with greater independence and choice in everyday living. It offers them the opportunity to live with a small group of people and to have their own space within a home that is theirs alone.

A Day Resource Centre also opened at Knockamann over the summer months. It offers a range of services and facilities to cater for the leisure and educational needs of residents. It also provides an access point to a range of allied health professionals.

(CD/BMcC)