The opening highlights the importance of planned, supported housing for people with intellectual disabilities and mental health needs
A new community-based home at Watson Road, developed by St John of God Housing Association (SJOG Housing Association) in partnership Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, St John of God Community Services Dublin South East (SJOG CSDSE) and the HSE was officially opened yesterday.
Photo: Julien Behal Photography
The new homes will provide safe and secure accommodation within the local community, with appropriate supports available to enable residents to live with greater independence, dignity and choice.
The development demonstrates what can be achieved when a specialist housing provider, disability services, the HSE and a local authority work together to deliver housing designed around people’s individual needs. It provides ordinary homes in an ordinary community, supported by the services residents need to live safely and participate in community life.
The opening was also used to highlight the wider unmet need for appropriate housing for people with intellectual disabilities. SJOG Housing Association has called for housing delivery and support funding to be planned together, along with clearer pathways for individuals and families before they reach a point of crisis.
Speaking at the official opening, Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill TD said:
“These new homes at Watson Road are an important example of how housing, health and disability supports can work together to help people live with dignity and greater independence in their own community.
“A home is central to a person’s security, wellbeing and sense of belonging. I commend the families involved, St John of God Housing Association, St John of God Community Services Dublin South East, the HSE, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council and all those who have brought this development forward.”
Barry Saul, Cathaoirleach of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council said:
“Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council is proud to have been involved in this important development and to have worked collaboratively and innovatively with St John of God Housing Association and our project partners to make it a reality. Watson Road is a prime example of what can be achieved when local authorities, housing providers and support services come together with a shared vision and commitment to meeting the needs of their communities. This innovative project not only provides high-quality homes but also points the way for the future delivery of specialist, community-based housing. I would like to commend all those involved in delivering this project and wish the residents every happiness in their new home.”
The opening was attended by brothers Andrew, Joe and Paddy McCarthy as they work with St John of God Housing Association as advocacy ambassadors. Through their own family experience, and Andrew’s journey, Joe and Paddy understand the importance of having the right home, support and opportunities in place for people with intellectual disabilities.
Joe and Paddy McCarthy said:
“We are proud to support St John of God Housing Association because this is an issue that is very close to our hearts. Through our brother Andrew, we have seen first-hand the difference that the right support, opportunities and sense of belonging can make in a person’s life. Watson Road shows what can be achieved when people and organisations work together with a commitment to creating better futures for people. We know many individuals and families are still waiting for the same opportunity, and we want to use our voice to help raise awareness of the need for more homes, better planning and the right supports so that people can live the lives they choose in their own communities.”
Photo: Julien Behal Photography
SJOG Housing Association believes that everyone should have access to a safe and secure home in their community, with the supports they need to live with dignity and choice. Watson Road provides a practical example of that ambition, while highlighting the need to move from crisis-led responses towards planned, properly funded and coordinated housing pathways.
Michelle Thunder, CEO of SJOG Housing Association, noted
“Watson Road demonstrates what can be achieved when local authorities, support providers and government work together to deliver homes that meet people’s needs. But it also highlights a hidden reality. For many families, the housing crisis becomes a crisis within a crisis when an ageing parent can no longer provide care and there is no planned pathway to suitable housing and support. Watson Road proves this is achievable. Our ask is simple: make it the rule, not the exception. We need earlier planning, simpler pathways for families, housing and support funded together, and more homes designed around the real needs of the people who live in them. This development shows what is possible when those pieces come together.”
“Watson Road has been designed around the specific needs of the people who will live here. The bungalow layout and support model will enable residents, all of whom have complex needs associated with ageing, dementia and intellectual disability, to live safely, comfortably and with dignity in their community. It demonstrates the importance of providing the right home, with the right support, at the right time.”
This emphasis reflects SJOG Housing Association’s position that Watson Road should be viewed as a positive model rather than an endpoint, with many other people still awaiting the opportunity to have a home of their own and the supports needed to live well.