Derelict site in Limerick turned into 'forever homes'

MAYOR John Moran has cut the ribbon at a new apartment development designed for people 50 years and older who have faced homelessness.

There were emotional scenes in Thomondgate at the opening of the Mirth Housing Project, a block of 18 new apartments at Cashel’s Lane.

A derelict site on the banks of the River Shannon has, over the past few years, been transformed into a state-of-the-art scheme of one-bedroomed apartments.

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Overlooking the historic heart of Limerick with views of the Shannon, King John’s Castle and Thomond Bridge, it has been delivered by the Associated Charities Trust, a housing association.

It has provided emergency accommodation since the 1990s for women at the neighbouring Thomond House.

A €5m development, Mirth House was funded with grant aid provided by the Department of Housing.

The JP McManus Trust is also backing the scheme, whose residents were picked from the housing waiting list.

One of the new tenants is Elaine Cook, who less than a year ago, was homeless, sleeping in a tent.

It came after she lost the home she was staying in after it was sold by her landlady.

“It’s overwhelming. When you’ve had nothing, everything is taken from you, and you don’t know what to do, living in a tent at 56 years of age, did I ever think I was going to have to do that? No.”

She was initially admitted to Thomond House before moving into Mirth.

“This is my forever home, and I am so grateful for it,” she smiled.

Mayor Moran said: “We need homes in the next 15 years for Limerick for 12,000 people. That’ll give you some idea of the scale of the mountain. There is no priority which is greater for me than housing in terms of Limerick City and County Council.”

Also at the opening ceremony, compered by ACT public relations officer Tom Shortt, other residents of Thomond House spoke about how their lives have changed.