Galway Simon gets approval to build apartments for older people

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galway daily news Galway Simon gets approval to build apartments for older people

The Galway Simon Community has been granted approval for a new housing project for older people with mobility issues.

Planning permission has been granted for the demolition of a derelict building at 111 Upper Newcastle, and the construction of a new apartment building in its place.

The building will contain ten one-bedroom apartments specifically designed for older people with mobility issues who are receiving the assistance of the Simon Community.

Galway City Council granted planning permission for the project with a total of 24 conditions attached.

Condition two states that the housing project “shall only be used by the clients of Galway Simon Community or other similar voluntary organisations, and shall not be sold independently of one another, or as a block, to any third party.”

The project will also involve the development of associated on-site car parking, external storage, and landscaping works.

“As the housing and homelessness crisis in Galway continues to deepen, the severe shortage of one bed apartments in Galway is widely recognised. The lack of accessible one bed apartments is even more acute,” Galway Simon Community said in its application.

“Galway Simon Community has been supporting people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness in Galway since 1979. In 2019 we supported 646 households, including 748 adults and 443 children.”

“With more people facing homelessness as a result of the housing crisis, Galway Simon has placed a significant focus on our Prevention Services — where we can prevent people from becoming homeless, they do not experience the significant trauma of Emergency Accommodation.”

“Providing secure and affordable housing is one of the key ways that we prevent people from becoming homeless.”

“Over the last couple of years, we have noticed a marked increase in the number of older people who are facing homelessness for the first time in their later years.”