New care home for north Louth agreed
AFTER MANY DELAYS THE CARE FACILITY IS NOW GREEN LIT BY GRANT
THE announcement of a €280,000 funding for a new care home in north Louth has been widely welcomed.
The Argus has learned there had been ‘ long delays’ in progressing the facility - based in CastletownCooley- with the application under the Capital Assistance Scheme for the project.
Louth TD Declan Breathnach gave his broad welcome to the announcement by the Government ‘ that they are finally funding a care home in Castletowncooley, Riverstown.
Confirmation of the funding was made by Minister Simon Coveney at the end of last week to provide a care home for four to six clients with severe disabilities and complex needs.
Speaking after the announcement, the Louth TD said, ‘I have had extensive correspondence with both Louth County Council and the Department in relation to this matter, which resulted in the project being prioritised for funding. There had been some miscommunication between the County Council and the Department which resulted in excessive delays in reaching a decision.’
Deputy Breathnach said he raised the matter in the Dail, where it came to light that funding availability under the Capital Assistance Scheme (CAS) for 2016 was €86m.
‘I was told that despite there being a substantial pipeline of project approvals in place under the scheme, progress in 2016 was slower than expected and the final funding drawdown for the year was €37m.’
‘I was also told that funding not drawn down under CAS in 2016 was reallocated to other social housing delivery programmes delivered by local authorities and by AHBs.’
He added: ‘ This is unbelievable that funding allocated for CAS projects was reallocated to other social housing not- withstanding the fact that a large number of projects under CAS are still awaiting approval.’
‘I am delighted however that in this case, the approval for a care home at Castletowncooley, Riverstown has finally come. I hope that there will be no further delays in progressing the project to completion.’
Meanwhile Dundalk TD Peter Fitzpatrick, also gave his welcome to the funding grant of the care home at Castletowncooley being approved.
‘I am very pleased with the news that the care home at Castletowncooley has been approved for funding under CAS. The CAS targets some of the most vulnerable groups in our society, facilitating the accommodation needs of older people, the disabled, disability, elderly returning emigrants and those exiting temporary homeless accommodation.
He explained that the funding will allow for the complete refurbishment of the building, installing a lift, ceiling hoists and door automation, adding: ‘ This is about improving the quality of life of the people living there.