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CHI launched St Canice’s Hall, Finglas, Dublin 11, a development of 32 homes yesterday, 2nd March 2022. Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien, TD and Lord Mayor of Dublin, Alison Gilliland, officially opened the development.

Chairperson of Co-operative Housing Ireland Pearse O’Shiel, said, “Housing need is not uniform. Yes, there’s need for 3-bed semi-Ds but there is also need for one and two bed homes, for smaller households. St Canice’s provides for this need.”

He continues, “There is a diversity in the Members here, not often seen in newer developments, people living alone, older couples, families, people who have experienced homelessness, and people who experience disability. Thriving, vibrant communities are heterogeneous and reflect life.”

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Speaking at the launch, Lord Mayor of Dublin, Alison Gilliland, said, “The direct delivery of homes by local authorities and Approved Housing Bodies like Co-operative Housing Ireland (CHI) is crucial and the solution to the current housing need. CHI, other housing bodies, and local authorities provide homes to members and tenants that are truly affordable with security of tenure. This provision ensures we build sustainable communities which are the backbone of our city.”

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Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien, TD said, “Co-operative Housing Ireland and the other Approved Housing Bodies are key partners in achieving the Government’s housing strategy, ‘Housing for All’. AHBs are expected to provide about 43% of the 9,000 new-build social homes and almost half of the 1,580 Cost Rental homes due to be completed this year. I highly commend Co-operative Housing Ireland on this hugely impressive development in St. Canice’s in Finglas and indeed for all the developments they are undertaking.”

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St Canice’s was delivered in partnership with Dublin County Council, the Housing Finance Agency, the Department of Housing Local Government and Heritage and the Housing Agency. The development contains two blocks of 32 apartments, consisting of 16 two-bedroom and 16 one-bedroom units with terraces, balconies, and roof terraces. The development provides homes for a diverse range of need including people living alone, families, people who have experienced homelessness, people who experience disability, and older people.

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“The thing I’m looking forward to the most in my new home is having the space to grow and become fully independent.”

CHI Member Glenn Alexander

Talking about his new home in St Canice’s Hall, CHI Member and new tenant Glenn Alexander who was born with Spina Bifida, says, “The thing I’m looking forward to the most in my new home is having the space to grow and become fully independent. Physically I’m independent but now having my own place I’m going to be emotionally independent and get invested in the community properly. I also have that stability that I won’t to have to move again.”