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”.
