A new beginning as Sandymount residents return to their redeveloped homes
Nine residents are moving into their dream homes, following the complete redevelopment of the age-friendly social homes at Bethany House, Sandymount, by Clúid, Ireland’s leading Approved Housing Body (AHB).
The nine residents were among the residents of the original Bethany House – a complex of 39 social homes originally owned and operated by St Vincent de Paul. The residents moved into alternative accommodation after St Vincent de Paul gave the scheme to Clúid for redevelopment but have been looking forward to returning to their new and improved homes.
Eileen Delany, one of the returning residents, commented: “I’m a mixture of excited and nervous. I have lots of memories in the old Bethany House, but I know I’ll make lots of new memories here too. I’m looking forward to socialising with all the residents in our new communal space – I’m a real people person so I’m keen to get to know the new residents. It’ll be something special – a new beginning for everyone.
“I’m over the moon to be moving into my new apartment. I’ve always wanted a top floor apartment with a balcony, so I told Clúid that from the start. My old home was nice, but it was all in one room, so it was cluttered. Here I’ll have room for my office, my jigsaws and my DIY. I have my pictures framed and ready to go on the walls. I can’t wait to move in and say ‘Wow, wow, wow!’”
Mark Fleming, Senior Project Manager, Clúid, commented: “The original homes in Bethany House had served their purpose. They were small bedsits that weren’t very energy efficient. The redevelopment has not only increased the number of homes within the development – from 39 to 62 – the homes are also bigger, more comfortable, and efficient to run. The returning residents have been involved from the start of the redevelopment process with input to the design of their new homes and wider development. For example, the bird bath and original trees were an important feature of the garden in the original Bethany House, so residents were keen that existing trees were retained and we have also constructed a new bird bath in the courtyard gardens. For green fingered residents, there is a potting shed and raised beds, all viewed from a sun shading gazebo, to provide a social interactive environment.”
Lord Mayor of Dublin, Cllr Ray McAdam, added: “It’s wonderful to see that Bethany House will once again be at the heart of the community here in Sandymount. Age-friendly developments such as this are vital to allow older people to continue to contribute to their communities as they age safely and securely in their homes. I want to commend all the parties involved in delivering these homes and wish the new and returning residents many happy years here.”
Minister of State for Older People and Housing, Kieran O’Donnell T.D., said: “I am delighted to be here today, along with the Lord Mayor of Dublin, Ray McAdam, for the formal opening of this redevelopment of Bethany House by Clúid, which will provide much needed homes. The redevelopment of this site into high-quality homes will not only have an impact on its new and existing residents, but will benefit the overall community.
“As Minister of State for Older People and Housing, I am particularly pleased that this new development involves 62 age friendly homes. My key priority is to support older people to continue living in their communities. This new housing development provides high-quality homes where older people can live independently, within a vibrant, thriving, and supportive community.
“My Department will continue to work with the AHB sector, local authorities and other stakeholders in supporting the delivery of high-quality homes, purpose built for older people as we see here today”.
Brian O’Gorman, Chief Executive Officer, Clúid, commented: “This project is a real example of collaboration between Clúid; St Vincent de Paul and the Religious Sisters of Charity, who donated the land; the residents who helped shape the design; Dublin City Council; the Department of Housing Local Government and Heritage, The Housing Agency; and the Housing Finance Agency. I hope that we have repaid the trust that all our partners have placed in us. In particular, I hope the residents, both new and returning, will feel at home here, and will feel that they can build a community in this redeveloped and revitalised Bethany House.”
The homes have been redeveloped by Clúid and will be managed by Clann, Clúid’s age-friendly offering. As well as the returning residents, the new Bethany House will be home to individuals and couples aged 55 and over from Dublin City Council’s housing list. The homes were designed by Walsh Associates Architects, and the main construction contractor was Monami Construction Ltd. Project partners included KSNPM, Hayes Higgens Associates, Varming Consulting Engineers, Cunnane Stratton Reynolds & Jensen Hughes Ireland.
ENDS
Notes to the Editor:
Laura McDonnell – Head of Communications & Policy –
+353 087 4600 009 – lmcdonnell@cluid.ie
About Clúid
Clúid is an independent, not-for-profit housing association, and is one of the largest approved housing bodies (AHBs) in Ireland. Established in 1994, Clúid leads the way in providing high quality, affordable rented homes to people in housing need. We work in partnership with local authorities to provide housing to those on social housing waiting lists. Clúid owns and manages over 13,000 properties providing a home to over 34,000 people.
Clúid delivered 1,525 new social and Cost Rental homes in 2024 and plans to deliver over 1,000 new homes in 2025.
Our team of over 300 highly qualified professional employees are committed to providing quality housing and services that enable people to create homes and thriving communities.
Clúid’s 2024 Annual Report is available at www.cluid.ie.
For more information visit www.cluid.ie