Paddy Reidy & Sons has commenced on four new sheltered housing builds in County Cork.

The Charleville Sheltered Housing Services units will be completed with Capital Assistance Scheme funding of €793,000 through Cork County Council.

They add on to the organisation's existing 25 individual housing units and group house.

Cllr Doyle said: "I would like to acknowledge the work of Charleville Sheltered Housing Services and Cork County Council in bringing this project to fruition. Supports that enable older people to remain in their communities are absolutely vital. Age-friendly housing is about being close to family and social networks alongside essential public services. Housing is a critical part of our social support infrastructure, but it has been undervalued."

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Chairperson of Charleville Sheltered Housing Services, John O'Donnell, added: "Today's sod-turning is a strong endorsement of the progressive supported housing model that Charleville Sheltered Housing Services has been championing for 30 years. Housing that includes a range of supports, and on-site communal facilities for assisted independent living, is a response to our changing demographics. Residents of the Charleville Sheltered Housing Services range in age from 55 to 93 years. There are a higher number of people living alone now, and 14% of the population of Cork North-west are aged over 65 years. So we see our clustered housing model, located in the centre of Charleville, as the way forward."

The new units form part of an approval for eight units on the site, which is being delivered in two phases in partnership with Cork County Council and the Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government.

(CM/MH)