Clúid is a voluntary housing association which builds and manages social rented housing and tenants are drawn from the local authority housing lists. Clúid currently manages over 3,200 properties across the country including 388 sheltered housing units in 10 complexes. This is Clúid’s fourth development in County Louth and its first sheltered housing development in the county.

In November 2008 an Age Friendly Seminar was held which led the move to County Louth becoming the first older person friendly county in Ireland. Ard na Solais is one aspect of many things happening in Dundalk and indeed the county that will help achieve the aims of making Louth a centre of excellence for improving the well-being and quality of life for older people and increasing their participation in social, cultural and economic life.

Predictions on population demographics for Ireland indicate that by the year 2030 some 28% of the population will be over 65 years old. County Louth is at the forefront in recognising the structures that need to be put in place to manage this changing aspect of the society that we live in.

Clúid is delighted to be part of the move to make Louth Ireland’s first age friendly county. Ard Na Solais is a model of how Part V of the Planning and Development Act (amended 2002) should work. Clúid has had the opportunity to be involved at all stages of the development which is in contrast to most Part V developments which are often well advanced before housing associations become involved and this limits their ability to influence the design and to use their experience of what is likely to succeed. This early involvement is essential when designing specialist housing such as a sheltered housing complex for older persons.

Sheltered housing is for people aged over 55 years old who want to maintain their independence but also have the security and peace of mind that living in a community can offer. Sheltered housing offers the residents community, companionship, comfort, independence and security.

All of Clúid’s sheltered housing complexes have an onsite staff member who is available to provide support for residents and if additional care is required this is provided by local statutory and voluntary care agencies. Clúid aims to deliver a service that is individual to each resident and that can change if circumstances change. The community facilities in sheltered housing complexes are generally a hub of activity for residents and the wider local community. Early in 2007 Clúid published the ‘Sheltered Housing: Scheme Managers’ Manual’, a comprehensive guide to day-to-day management of high quality sheltered housing. It is Clúid’s hope that the manual will contribute to improving management practices in sheltered and supported housing country-wide.

The Ard Na Solais sheltered housing complex has 37 self contained one and two bed apartments and bungalows. The complex has a lounge, technology area, resource room, laundry facilities, landscaped gardens and also has a 24 hour emergency call system and a secure door entry system to ensure the residents feel safe and secure in their new homes.

Clúid Housing Association believes that social housing is the platform for social progress at all stages of life. Clúid also believes that sheltered housing promotes independent living for older people and that this method of housing for older people should be supported by the Government going forward.