The Mayor of Cork County, Cllr Bernard Moynihan, welcomed the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne, to Clós an tSuláin in Macroom to view progress on a specialised housing scheme being developed with Tuath Housing Association and Anvers Housing in partnership with Cork County Council.

The project comprises 18 social homes built to age-friendly standards, which may be allocated to older people, alongside a separate purpose-built five-bed communal residence for people living with acquired brain injury. Developed with Acquired Brain Injury Ireland (ABII), the scheme represents a significant investment in inclusive, community-based housing for the Macroom area, with Anvers and ABII working together to support people with neuro rehabilitation needs to live meaningful lives locally.

Clós an tSuláin is a direct-build by Tuath, funded by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage through the Capital Assistance Scheme (CAS), and delivered with Cork County Council on council-owned land transferred to Tuath.

On completion, the 18 homes will consist of 10 two-bedroom and eight one-bedroom units, to be allocated to households on Cork County Council's housing waiting list. The five-bed communal residence will offer a safe, supported setting for people with acquired brain injury to live as independently as possible while staying connected to the community, with ongoing support from ABII.

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Speaking at the site visit, Mayor of Cork County Council, Cllr. Bernard Moynihan, said: "It is a privilege as Mayor of the County of Cork to visit the Clós an tSuláin development at Macroom. Soon, this site will be replaced by 18 much needed social homes for older persons, alongside a 5-bed communal residence for people living with acquired brain injuries to enjoy a high-quality life through their established connections within the community."

The Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne, said: "Our Housing Action Plan places a strong emphasis on supporting those with specific housing needs, such as older people and persons with disabilities who may require additional supports.

"This development here in Macroom is exactly the type of scheme envisaged under our plans, delivering more suitable, age-friendly homes alongside specialist provision for those with particular needs, including people living with acquired brain injury.

"By supporting a mix of housing options, we are supporting people to live independently for far longer while ensuring that new developments respond to the evolving needs of our population and contribute to stronger, more inclusive communities. I want to see more of this and well done to the team here locally."

Angela Murphy, Vice Chair of Tuath' Voluntary Board of Directors noted: "This project demonstrates Tuath's commitment to delivering housing that responds to a wide range of needs, while working collaboratively with local authorities, community-based organisations and the Department of Housing to support communities across Cork".

Keith Jones, Director of Service Housing in Cork County Council noted: "In meeting the challenges of housing supply, Cork County Council has successfully provided homes through a variety of delivery streams across our county, and this is evident today with the ongoing construction of these new build specialist housing units through the Capital Assistance scheme here in Macroom."