Lands worth €10 million have been donated by the Bishop of Killaloe, Dr Willie Walsh, for the construction of residential housing and a day-care centre to cater for the needs of a growing elderly population in Ennis, Co Clare.

Around 15.5 acres of land located at the back of the Cahercalla hospital have been donated.

There are over 1,300 elderly people living in Ennis - the new development is designed to meet their housing needs. The plans consist of a dedicated day care centre to cater for 60 people and 12 individual houses specially for older people.

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The Cuan an Clar committee, established to oversee the development, must raise €2 million to build the project.

Speaking to RTÉ, Committee Chairperson Jackie Brown, said the donation of valuable lands by Bishop Walsh was an unprecedented gesture of generosity.

She said without the donation the project could never have got off the ground.

It is hoped the new facility will reduce admissions to hospitals and care institutions of older people.

(GK/SP)