Cowley hopes President will return to Mayo to open age friendly apartments
President Catherine Connolly was informed of plans to develop 24 age-friendly apartments in Mulranny
MULRANNY GP and Chair of St Brendan's, Dr Jerry Cowley hopes the next time President Catherine Connolly visits the west Mayo village will be to open 24 age-friendly apartments.
President Catherine Connolly was given a tour of St Brendan's Community Project in Mulranny on Saturday morning and was informed of plans to develop 24 age-friendly apartments on a site adjacent to St Brendan's.
Dr Cowley told The Mayo News that the age-friendly apartments will be the 'missing link' in the care provided to elderly people in St Brendan's and President Connolly promised to open them when they are developed.
“The whole idea is they will be the missing link between the 16 low support sheltered housing and the 26 high support units and will allow greater levels of independence for those people. A lot of them are languishing on the waiting list to get some type of housing as an alternative to nursing homes.
“We showed President Connolly the site and she loved the whole concept and she realises it is something which needs to be supported and promoted. I have asked her to open them and she said she would be delighted to come back and open them,” he said.
The site owned by Mayo County Council is behind the 16 new social houses which were opened earlier this year and Dr Cowley said they are working closely with council officials and they are very supportive of the idea as are local councillors. He added that the Department of Housing is also supportive and they hope to make progress on plans over the coming months.
Dr Cowley said he also informed the President that they are looking to install four sub-acute beds which he says will provide a vital transitional level of care for patients recovering from a serious illness or surgery.
President Connolly was given a rapturous welcome on her arrival with the Mulranny/Tiernaur Pipeband leading her into the village while local school children waved flags. Cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council, Cllr Seán Carey and Minister Dara Calleary and local councillor Paul McNamara were among local representatives to welcome her.
During her visit to St Brendan's, President Connolly met with staff and residents of the St Brendan's High Support Unit and the adjacent sheltered housing units along with representatives from local community groups. She also unveiled a plaque to mark her visit.