New Life for the Old Mercy Convent

In what are difficult times both economically and socially, Ireland’s largest provider of social housing, Respond! is delighted to announce that work has recently been completed on their newest development at Convent Court, New Ross, Co Wexford. With an approximate value of €3.5million, this new development in the Irishtown contains eight family homes and twenty single unit apartments. The development was constructed by Richard Browne & Sons ltd.

According to Margaret Fenton, Regional Community Development Co-ordinator, Respond! Housing Association:
“Respond! is delighted to welcome our new residents to this estate in Irishtown which contains very high-quality, well-built accommodation. The family homes were allocated in June, with the residents having just completed three 2-hour pre tenancy sessions over July. We are looking forward to working with the families when they have settled in to get involved in their local community”

One new resident, Richard O’ Neill is delighted to be part of his new community in New Ross:
“It is like moving from earth to heaven. The atmosphere is great and the feel good factor is tremendous. It is also a significant development for the town.”

The new development in Irishtown also contains 20 homes that will be used primarily to accommodate older residents. Respond! has always recognised the need for good quality accommodation for older people and is meeting the demand for housing for an ageing population.

According to Andrea Lloyd, National Co-ordinator of Services for Older Persons:
“Respond! compliments and works alongside existing community based support services to create an enabling framework of supports that contribute to our residents ability to age well, live independently in their own home for as long as possible and experience as good a quality of life as possible.”

Respond! is Ireland's largest not for profit Housing Association and seeks to create a positive future for people by alleviating poverty and creating vibrant, socially integrated communities. They do this through providing access to education, childcare, community development programmes, housing and other supports. With more than 26 years experience in housing, estate management and community development, Respond’s primary focus is to build communities, not just homes.

The development was funded by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government in conjunction with Wexford County Council.
Respond! would like to thank New Ross Town Council who also participated in the project.