Charity opens West End project
A charity has officially opened its new housing project in Mallow with 13 new homes in the town.
The remodelled B1-rated apartments in West End were part of a conversion, redevelopment project of the former offices of the Dairygold agri division.
These homes provide 16 individuals who were on the Cork County Council housing list with a home enabling them to achieve their potential and build a future for themselves and their families.
Developed by Sayvale Group back in 2021 and built and designed with KDC Construction and Meitheal Architects, Focus Housing Association, the housing arm of Focus Ireland, acquired the turnkey property for the purpose of social housing.
Focus Ireland CEO, Pat Dennigan, said: “Not only does this project address our housing needs, but it also represents another step forward in Focus Ireland’s commitment to reducing our energy footprint. Additionally, the building serves as a new central hub for our key support teams, enabling them to better assist tenants across the southeast and southwest of the country.
“We strongly support urban renewal projects and the upcycling of historic buildings, such as this one in Mallow. Not only do these initiatives promote environmental sustainability, but they also strengthen social networks, enhance inclusion for vulnerable groups, and help transform communities affected by housing challenges.
“This project further aligns with our Meascán Housing Model, which we are incorporating into the West End development,” he added.
The Meascán Model (meaning ‘mixture’ in Irish) fosters an intentional social mix, bringing together tenants who may need support at different times alongside those who do not.
Mr Dennigan said the charity’s research has shown that scatter-site housing, when paired with the right supports, reduces stigma, facilitates broader social integration, and ultimately helps build more resilient communities for the future.
The homes are provided by Focus Housing Association, with the support of Cork County Council and Cork City Council, the Housing Finance Agency, the Housing Agency, and the Department of Housing, Local Government & Heritage.
“We recognise that ending homelessness is not something we can achieve alone. That’s why we continue to campaign and advocate for more effective Government action, using the expertise of our services and the lived experiences of those we support to drive meaningful policy and service improvements that change lives,” he added.
On the day, Focus Housing Association welcomed An Taoiseach Micheál Martin and Cllr Pat Hayes, deputising for the Mayor of County Cork, in opening the new homes.
An Taoiseach Micheál Martin said: “By bringing disused buildings like this back to life, this Focus Housing Association scheme in particular with Cork County Council is providing much needed, well-connected and sustainable homes for 16 people.
“Access to housing is not just about a roof over your head, it is about building communities of people with secure homes, and access to amenities, to give them every opportunity to build a future for themselves and their families.”