HSE confirms community group home plans in Carndonagh and Buncrana

Construction of new community group homes in Carndonagh and Buncrana are expected to begin by the end of 2023.

These homes would have capacity to house eight people who will transition from the James Connolly Memorial residential unit in Carndonagh, which has been identified for decongregation as part of the national de-congregation plan.

“As part of this decongregation plan Donegal Disability Services have been seeking suitable alternative accommodation to best meet the needs of the people currently residing within the JCM,” the HSE told Donegal Live.

“Due to the current housing crisis this could not be done within the current availability of housing in Donegal therefore Donegal Disability Services in conjunction with the estates department have located and secured greenfield sites for this purpose.”

In Buncrana, planning permission has been sought for the construction of a single-storey community group home and detached garage.

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This proposed dwelling is approximately 270m2 and consists of four en-suite bedrooms, staff area, kitchen/dining, sitting rooms, storage and garage. If planning is approved construction work will commence in December to build a home for four people with intellectual disabilities to transition from the JCM.

The HSE has sought permission from Donegal County Council for a similar development at the junction of Millbrae Avenue and Ballylosky Road in Carndonagh. There, the HSE is planning for the demolition of an existing derelict school building and outbidding and to construct a single-storey community group home and detached garage.

This proposed dwelling is approximately 335m2 and consists of three en-suite bedrooms, staff area, kitchen/dining, two sitting rooms, storage, one bed annex and garage.

If planning is approved, construction is due to commence in November to build a house will be the home for four people with intellectual disabilities to transition from the JCM.