A new €10m housing development in Dublin 8 has opened today.
New Dolphin Park consists of 43 one-bedroom apartments, which are purpose-built to enable older people to lead independent lives.
It replaces the existing outdated older persons accommodation located in Dolphin Park built in 1957
Tenants have also come from Dublin’s homeless list.
Also included in the development is Ireland’s first purpose-built community kitchen. The community kitchen is a social space in which residents and locals alike can come together for hot meals, activities such as bingo or bridge, and for public meetings. The community kitchen will be run by local organisation, DHCDA Dolphin House Community Development Association.
"Heaven"
One of New Dolphin Park’s oldest residents, 82 year old Helen Lally says: "I’m so happy with my new home, it’s heaven. It’s great to close my front door every evening and feel safe and secure.
"It’s also fantastic to still have all my old neighbours around me, and that real sense of a community spirit. I am really looking forward to many more years here among my friends."
Lord Mayor of Dublin Alison Gilliland says: "We are very pleased to have partnered with Fold on this project and to see first hand the positive impact it will have on the residents. The tenants I have met here can now comfortably age in place helping them to keep this historic community together."
Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’ Brien TD says: "The provision of high-quality housing for older people is one of the key priorities in Housing for All, our new plan for housing in Ireland, and we want to ensure people can remain in communities they have called home for many years to come."
Glorious sunshine for the official opening of @fold_housing’s New Dolphin Park housing scheme. 43 modern apartments for older tenants in the heart of a thriving community in Dublin 8. pic.twitter.com/63HT7jyuDh
— ICSH (@icsh_ie) March 23, 2022
New Dolphin Park replaces the existing outdated older persons accommodation located in Dolphin Park built in 1957 and provides an opportunity for older people to age in place within their community. This development is part of a larger regeneration project underway by Dublin City Council in the wider Dolphin Barn estate. Tenants in New Dolphin Park have also come from Dublin’s homeless list.
Photo by Jason Clarke Photography: Residents Elizabeth O'Brien, Mick Gorey and Philis McGlynn
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