The Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O'Brien, has officially opened a newly completed Focus Housing Association development, providing 20 homes in Phibsboro, Dublin.

The transformation of the Connaught Street site from a disused tire yard into a much-needed apartment complex is a testament to Focus Housing Association's commitment to revitalising communities.

Focus Ireland CEO Pat Dennigan said: "The 20 homes we are delivering in partnership with Dublin City Council, Housing Finance Agency, The Housing Agency and The Department of Housing means 20 more households (families and individuals) have a place to call home. It is rewarding to see the most basic and fundamental need of their own roof over their head met as this development provides homes and has ended homelessness for some of the new tenants." 

He added: "This innovative development uses the Meascan Model of intentional social mix in housing which includes people leaving homelessness who may need ongoing support and others from the housing waiting lists who just need a home. This approach helps to provide vibrant, sustainable communities while providing ongoing tenancy support for individuals with past experiences of homelessness or those at risk. This model ensures that every resident is aware of the potential challenges faced by some of their neighbours and that support is readily available to all."

"We're also thrilled to share that Focus Ireland has successfully delivered over 1,400 homes, a testament to our unwavering dedication to our strategic goals. Amidst the challenge of record homelessness, these homes not only signify progress but also stand as a beacon of hope, addressing housing needs and embodying our commitment to help vulnerable families and individuals every day.

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Minister Darragh O'Brien said: "I am always heartened to see new developments like these, making efficient use of what was once a disused site and which allow households to live within walking distance of all the amenities they need. I commend Dublin City Council and Focus Ireland for their hard work in delivering these top-quality homes in the heart of Dublin and for their continued efforts in assisting us to achieve the objectives of Housing for All. All of our efforts are focussed on increasing the supply of new homes. Homelessness remains the number one challenge for this Government and how we solve this is by increasing the supply of high quality social and affordable homes and that is what we are doing."

Sr. Stanislaus Kennedy, Founder & Life President of Focus Ireland, said: "These residences here at Connaught St. underscore the substantial impact of Focus Housing Association, offering sanctuaries for over 1,400 households dispersed across the length and breadth of Ireland. While witnessing tenants take possession of their keys and embark on a new chapter is indeed heartening, we must also confront the broader crisis that looms. It pains me to acknowledge that the present state of homelessness in Ireland is unprecedented, eclipsing any prior instances since the inception of Focus Ireland nearly four decades ago in 1985."

"In this juncture, it is paramount that we carry hope in our hearts as we strive to combat this crisis that has left numerous families and children without stable roofs over their heads. Yet, alongside our hope, we must retain an unwavering sense of indignation towards the situation. We cannot accept the notion that homelessness is an insurmountable challenge. There is much work yet to be done. Our drive to bring about change must remain unrelenting until we have achieved our goal."

Along with Dublin City Council, Focus Ireland would like to thank developer and contractor Derrin Homes as well as McGrane & Partners Architects.

For more information about Focus Housing Association and its initiatives, visit www.focusireland.ie.

Key Features of Connaught Street Development:

• Providing 20 homes in A Rated apartments in Phibsboro, catering to various living needs 

• Accessibility to amenities and services by walking, cycling, or public transport. 

• Proximity to Cabra Luas Station and Phibsboro Road bus stops. 

• Adjacent to Mount Bernard Park, providing recreational spaces and greenery.