Ellis Court, one of Ireland's first social housing schemes built in the 1880’s, has been brought back to its original use and now provides 22 social homes in Dublin city centre.
The building was originally designed in 1885 and remained in use for social housing purposes up until 2005, when severe fire damage meant it had to be vacated. Following a refurbishment worth €9 million, the development has now been restored to its former use as part of a collaborative project between Tuath Housing, Dublin City Council and the Department of Housing.
Tuath Housing has now allocated 22 new Ellis Court homes - 19 apartments and 3 townhouses - to people from the council's housing waiting list. “This is a wonderful example of what can happen when the different partners in housing cooperate with imagination and good will,” said Housing SP chairman, Cllr Dermot Lacey, who attended the opening ceremony. However, he stressed “we need a lot more of this”.
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The refurbishment included the building of a new extension and the delivery of new A-rated energy efficient homes. Tuath Housing CEO Sean O’Connor said that Tuath is working on four similar refurbishment projects in counties Westmeath, Mayo and Cork. He said: “Our aim is to create sustainable communities in places where people want to live, such as here at Ellis Court, where we will soon see the new residents enjoying their new homes in the heart of Dublin’s city centre."
Minister for Housing Darragh O’Brien and Lord Mayor of Dublin Caroline Conroy also attended the official opening of the social houses today. Minister Darragh O’Brien commented: “By restoring and retaining the rich character of our historical buildings, we can also reinvigorate the areas in which they reside. Ellis Court has a storied history as one of Ireland’s first social housing schemes, built in the 1880’s, so it is fitting that it will remain as such.”
Meanwhile, Lord Mayor of Dublin Caroline Conroy said: “It is truly heart-warming to see a piece of Dublin’s history restored, while also providing sorely needed homes in the City Centre. I would like to congratulate the new tenants and hope they will be very happy in them.”
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