Minister for Housing and Planning, Jan O'Sullivan T.D. has outlined details of the housing authorities involved in pilot projects to support people with disabilities moving from institutional care to community based living during 2013.

Minister O'Sullivan was speaking at the opening of the Lord Mayor's Conference in Cork on the Housing Needs of People with a Disability.

The Minister said: "I am pleased that Cork City Council is one of the authorities that have agreed to date to be involved in this ambitious project, along with Louth County Council, Dublin City Council and the Limerick Authorities."

The National Housing Strategy for People with a Disability 2011 – 2016 gives effect to Government policy in relation to the transitioning of people with physical, intellectual and mental health disabilities from institutions to more appropriate community living over a phased timeframe. Ringfenced funding is being provided to support this process during 2013.

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The Minister continued: "Despite the challenging conditions we find ourselves in, I am very pleased that funding has been secured to support the commencement of the transitions during 2013. A sum of €1 million is available within my Department for the sourcing of appropriate accommodation and I anticipate this will provide up to 150 new homes in the community for people with disabilities."

The sourcing and delivery of the units, which will be through the long-term leasing initiative, will be managed by The Housing Agency. The Housing Agency, which is charged with overseeing the implementation of the Housing Strategy for People with a Disability at national level, is working closely with the pilot local authorities, relevant disability service providers and approved housing bodies to advance the transitioning programme during 2013.

The Housing Conference which the Minister addressed entitled Opening Doors: My Life, My Home was organised by Cllr John Buttimer, Lord Mayor of Cork, and Cork City Council. The aim of the Conference is to build on the collaborative partnership that exists at local and national level by bringing together key figures to plot a course from policy to implementation so as to give full effect to the provision of community housing opportunities for people with a disability.

(CD/H)