Alternative home found for former servicemen
Former members of the Defence Forces had been using the 11-bed accommodation, consisting of three houses converted into one, for over five years before they were forced to leave.
It was opened on James Street under a leasing arrangement with the owner of the property. But large rent arrears built up since the numbers living there began to decline and the last remaining residents were forced to move out.
Since it opened, more than 30 former members of the Defence Forces have lived there.
It had helped many of them to re-adjust to civilian life. One of the four, who were facing an uncertain future, suffers from Alzheimer’s disease.
Over recent days a number of people have come forward and offered alternative accommodation to the four ex-servicemen, all of whom have served overseas with the UN.
Joe O’Mahony, president of the Organisation of National Ex-Servicemen (ONE), Patrick Sarsfield Branch, said the men will now move into temporary accommodation in different parts of the city.
He said: “I am delighted the lads got fixed up but, in the long term, we will have no headquarters. We keep our equipment and flags at the James Street centre. But I’m sure we will find a place. It is a happy ending for the four men who are moving out.”
Limerick City Council had offered to put the four men up in B&B accommodation until such time as more permanent accommodation was found.
That accommodation has now been offered by a number of anonymous property owners.
Former defence minister Willie O’Dea, who officially opened the James Street accommodation, said a three-way dialogue was continuing between ONE, the Department of the Environment and Limerick City Council to ensure the Limerick ONE members have a headquarters.
Mr O’Dea said he was delighted the ex-servicemen who had been living in James Street had been offered alternative accommodation.
