The Presbyterian Moderator, Dr Alastair Dunlop, has opened an extended sheltered housing project for older people at Tritonville Close, Sandymount, Dublin.
Developed by the Presbyterian Residential Trust, the complex provides additional accommodation for 33 people in 18 single and double units, bringing the number of residents on the site to a maximum of 70.
The new complex is built on the site of Sandymount Presbyterian church, which was demolished, despite opposition, in 1999. Built in 1858 it had not been used for worship for over 20 years. The demolition was opposed by some local residents, An Taisce, and the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands, Ms de Valera.
At the opening yesterday Dr Dunlop said that "with the chronic shortage of accommodation for the elderly in Dublin, I'm delighted that the Presbyterian Church has been able to further help this section of our community".
He added that "too often the needs of older people are forgotten, and this investment by the Presbyterian Residential Trust, both financially and in terms of expertise and staffing, is to be welcomed".
The original Tritonville House, set in private and spacious gardens in Sandymount, was opened in 1971 and extended 10 years later. The new section is an addition to the selection of self-contained single and double flats already there, each having its own lounge, kitchen, bedroom and bathroom.
Speaking at the opening, Ms Linda Wray, residential services manager of the Presbyterian Residential Trust, said "sheltered accommodation of this type provides older people with the peace of mind of living in an environment where help is never far away, yet which gives them all the independence they want".
She said the project had been seven years in the planning and two more in building, but would now, finally, "become home to those who are going to live here".
Established in 1947 the trust is an agency of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland and provides care for older people of all denominations, particularly ensuring spiritual support and encouragement. The trust runs nine nursing, residential, and sheltered dwelling projects throughout Ireland providing homes for about 250 people.
