Low-cost housing lures back emigrants

A scheme to supply housing for one-time emigrants choosing to return to Ireland has proved a big success, the Government has reported.

The plan, introduced by housing minister Bobby Molloy last November, permits voluntary organisations to provide accommodation for elderly people who want to be back to Ireland after years away from the country, but cannot afford housing from their own resources.

The scheme, which lays on funding of up to 95%, is being co-ordinated by the Safe Home programme, based at Mulranny, Co Mayo.

Mr Molloy said: ‘‘Voluntary housing bodies are now in a position to allocate as much as 50% of accommodation in a project to elderly returning emigrants.’’

Highlighting a positive response to the plan, he added: ‘‘I think it is appropriate that we should make every effort to assist these emigrants to achieve a lifelong desire to return to their native country.

‘‘These unique people were part of the generations who, in past decades, had no choice but to leave at a time when the economy could not provide necessary jobs for the youth of the country.’’