A Letterkenny councillor has called for more accommodation to be provided for people in Letterkenny with special needs.
Cllr Ciaran Brogan called on the Letterkenny Municipal District to work with the HSE to develop a housing complex to accommodate people with special needs or otherwise. He suggested a complex which would allow tenants to live independently while having supporting services available on campus for their washing, laundry, cooking and medical needs.
Cllr Brogan said a town the size of Letterkenny would warrant a facility like this, particularly for older residents. He suggested the land adjacent to the site where the new community hospital is due to be built as a suitable location.
“I think it is something that would work very well, somewhere that people can live independently and get supports during the day. I think it would be good for the council to be involved in something like this,” Cllr Brogan said.
He referred to smaller estates which have housed OAPs in the town centre in the past and outlined opportunities to work with the HSE so doctors and physiotherapists can visit residents.
Cllr Brogan said he had spoken to senior management in the HSE and believed that funding would be available with the council and the HSE. He said identifying a suitable site would be a key factor, ensuring it is within walking distance to the town centre.
Cllr Michael McBride supported the motion at Monday’s meeting of the Letterkenny Municipal District. He said retirement villages such as those in the USA are ideal facilities that need to be moved towards in Ireland.
Cllr Ian McGarvey said the Donegal Age Friendly Alliance would welcome such a complex. Security for individuals is a top issue for the elderly, he added.
