Focus Ireland, the national housing and homeless charity, has welcomed residents into 6 new social housing units in Sunville, Carrigalineearlier this year.

These one bedroom apartments will be delivered through Focus Ireland’s property arm – Focus Housing Association. The provision of the 6 new social homes was made possible through a partnership with Cork County Council, as well as great support from the Housing Finance Agency and the Department of Housing.

The new repurposed development which was formerly an office block will provide permanent homes at an affordable rent for households on the local social housing list, including some households who were previously homeless or at risk of homelessness.

Gerard Spillane, Focus Ireland Southwest Manager said: “In recent years the lack of one bed bedroom apartments is also a serious contributor to the number of homeless adults, particularly single people both in Cork and nationwide.  

“We are delighted to now be delivering these 6 new one bedroom apartments in Carrigaline in partnership with Cork County Council, and with great support from the Housing Finance Agency and the Department of Housing. Increased housing delivery by Focus Ireland, through our property arm Focus Housing Association, is a core part of our strategy. Moving into a new home is always a special occasion, and it will be extra special for some of the households who were previously homeless or at risk of homelessness. These 6 homes in Carrigaline will provide high-quality, safe and secure housing for individuals who now have a place to call home.”

Focus Housing Association is an Approved Housing Body with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. Approved Housing Bodies are not-for-profit organisations that provide affordable rented housing for people who has been unable to find private rented housing due to high rents or buy their own homes; or for particular groups, such as older people or people who have experienced homelessness. Focus Housing Association opened its first housing development in Dublin in 1992 and today manages, owns or leases approximately 1,150 homes in counties Dublin, Kildare, Carlow, Wexford, Kilkenny, Waterford, Cork, Limerick, Clare, Sligo and Tipperary.