‘A BRILLIANT DAY’ FOR CARR AI GED EN RESIDENTS
WICKLOW COUNTY COUNCIL SIGNS THE CONTRACTS ON ‘LIFELINE’ HOME FOR OVER 30 MEN RECOVERING FROM ADDICTION ISSUES, WRITES MARY FOGARTY
RESIDENTS at Carraig Eden in Greystones celebrated the completion of the purchase of the facility by Wicklow County Council as the contracts were officially signed last Thursday.
There was huge relief last July when it emerged that the residents would not be evicted and that the building would be purchased by Wicklow County Council and the Department of Housing Planning and Local Government to allow Tiglin to continue providing housing and support for men who have completed a rehabilitation programme in Tiglin, Ashford.
Last Thursday, Greystones resident and Tiglin CEO Phil Thompson thanked everyone involved in securing the purchase.
‘Carraig Eden is such a lifeline to those living here,’ he said. ‘ The housing gives these men the opportunity to find work and educational opportunities in a safe and sober environment,’ he said.
‘ The men act as a support for each other as they continue on their new path of life. These residents have got what they truly deserve – a secure home and a fresh start. Tiglin is delighted to be here today to celebrate the next phase of Carraig Eden, and its future looks bright,’ said Mr Thompson.
He said that they are grateful for the wonderful support from so many people over the past year.
‘€1 million, which has been ear- marked for the refurbishment of the building, will bring about 34 en-suite rooms, multiple kitchenettes and shared living spaces,’ said Mr Thompson. It will be a beautiful home for current and future residents who need the time and space to secure a more permanent home.’
Tiglin Chairman Aubrey McCarthy said that it was a day to celebrate.
‘ This deal took a lot of hard work and commitment from a number of agencies and individuals. I would particularly like to thank Wicklow County Council and Jackie Carroll who were instrumental in getting this deal across the line, especially when, at times, it looked unlikely.’
He also thanked Minister Simon Harris, the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government, Deputy Stephen Donnelly, Minister Andrew Doyle, Deputy John Brady and Cllr Derek Mitchell for their work.
‘It was the work of all these people and organisations, and others, who made this possible, so thank you everyone.’
Resident of Carraig Eden, John said: ‘Securing the future of Carraig Eden means the world to me and all the residents. I would like to thank everyone who helped make this possible.’
Minister Simon Harris, CEO of Wicklow County Council Frank Curran and Cathaoirleach of Greystones Municipal District Gerry Walsh all attended the official signing of the contracts last Thursday.
Over €3m is being spent to acquire and refurbish the facility in Greystones and the council’s Chief Executive Frank Curran commended the Minister and his Department for committing to, supporting and funding the project.
‘I believe there was a time it appeared that this project might not proceed and over 30 residents were at risk of homelessness. Thankfully, due to the tenacity and commitment of all involved, this did not come to pass,’ said Mr Curran.
Tiglin will lease a substantial portion of the property. They have been operating their housing model there since 2009, successfully preventing homelessness in individuals who have taken the necessary steps to rehabilitate and become addiction free.
The property would also be further developed to deliver additional accommodation units for households at risk of or experiencing homelessness.
Following an introduction by Tiglin’s Mr McCarthy and Mr Thompson, a number of residents told their own personal stories about the importance of Carraig Eden for them as a pathway through homelessness and Mr Curran commended them, saying how uplifting it was to hear their stories.
Cllr Gerry Walsh also acknowledged the shared stories saying: ‘ There is no need to question why we do what we do after listening to the testimonials from the residents – their stories were very powerful and compelling, well done to everybody for speaking.
‘As we are all aware, significant challenges are being faced by Wicklow County Council in dealing with the increasing numbers of people and families presenting as homeless,’ he said. ‘ The impact of this demand for services, coupled with the lack of housing supply, has led to many people and families finding themselves in a homeless situation.
‘ The development of relationships between the local authorities and homeless service providers in the region has been critical in dealing with the many and complex issues that have arisen. A reflection of these relationships is the fact that a number of service level agreements are now in place between the local authorities and homeless service providers across the region.’
Minister Harris said that the signing of the contracts was the end of a long and hard-fought campaign to protect the Tiglin service in Carraig Eden.
‘Having visited Tiglin and been inspired by their work, it was clear to me that we had to do all that we could to stop this private sale from impacting on vulnerable people. I am delighted that Tiglin now has security. I know the Greystones residents have been deeply concerned about the prospect of Tiglin residents being made homeless so this a really positive day here in Carraig Eden,’ said the minister.
‘ Today is a brilliant day for the residents of Carraig Eden,’ said Deputy Stephen Donnelly.
‘I know the level of stress and uncertainty that the last few months have put on the residents. Particular thanks are due to Tiglin’s Chairperson Aubrey McCarthy and CEO Phil Thompson, as well as Jackie Carroll of Wicklow County Council. Without their consistent support and dedication, today’s handover would not have been possible.’