HOUSING CHARITY CLÚID took over a ghost estate on Dublin’s northside over six years ago and have now refurbished over 200 units.

Speaking at the official opening today Karen Kennedy from Clúid said, “When we first visited this development over six years ago, there were high rates of anti-social behaviour, rubbish was piled up on the streets, and there were derelict buildings everywhere.

“Today, almost all the properties are occupied, houses have been turned into homes, and there is a growing sense of community everywhere you look.”

Resident Helen Maguire said: ‘I am just beyond happy.

Before moving here, me and my son were living in a one bed emergency accommodation hotel room. My landlord moved back into the property I was living in and I had been extremely anxious ever since. We were totally unsettled.

“Having a long-term lease is a massive relief for me. The service Clúid provides is very reassuring and I always have a point of contact when I need one. The whole process has been life-changing for me. Belmayne is my home now.”

Transformation 

In 2009, Clúid partnered with two other Approved Housing Bodies to purchase 75 complete but unsold dwellings. At the same time, Dublin City Council purchased 59 units and appointed Clúid as management agent.

In 2014, Clúid signed a lease agreement with NARPS for a further 125 properties.

Belmayne is located in an area of Dublin with a high demand for all types of housing, so Clúid proposed a mixed tenure community that would cater for people with a range of needs and incomes.

60% of the 125 units acquired in 2014 are social rented dwellings for people on Dublin City Council’s housing waiting list.

Of these, one third is reserved for people who have experienced homelessness. The remaining 40% are let at market rents to those who can afford to pay a higher rent.

Karen Kennedy commented: “We are absolutely delighted to be providing long-term housing for people on the social housing waiting list in this area.

“Belmayne has been transformed from an underutilised, unfinished development into a thriving community.”

Read: Homeless couple who slept at council tell court that temporary accommodation is not suitable>