Centre gives hope to homeless people

EXTRA beds will be available in an emergency shelter for Cork’s homeless from next week, thanks to a residential centre to be officially opened later today.

Cork Simon’s Tír na nÓg centre in Blackrock is also expected to add several years to the life expectancy of its 11 formerly homeless residents.

The life expectancy of someone living on the streets is 42.

Most Tír na nÓg residents will be older people and many have health problems. They are due to start moving in on Monday. But Gerry O’Dowd was there yesterday checking out the rooms.

Gerry, aged 51, originally from Roscommon, has been living rough “on and off” for the last 20 years.

He’s been in Cork Simon’s emergency shelter on Anderson’s Quay for a few months.

“Only for Cork Simon I’d probably be dead and buried at this stage,” he said. He described getting a home in Tír na nÓg as a “fresh start.”

Tír na nÓg was developed in partnership with the Cork Homeless Forum; Cork City Council; the Health Service Executive Southern Region, as well as the Departments of Environment and Health.

Meanwhile, President Mary McAleese is due to officially open a landmark housing scheme for Traveller families this morning.

The €2.94 million Meelagh Estate group housing scheme in Mahon, Cork, has nine bungalows and three halting bays.